apartment fire, Appleton burn accident lawyers, burn injuries, burn injuries in Wisconsin, first degree burns, Green Bay burn accident lawyers, second degree burns, third degree burns, Wisconsin burn injury lawyerAccording to the U.S. Fire Administration, the number of fires across the United States has decreased over the past decade. In fact, in 2011 there were 1, 389, 500 fires compared to 1, 687, 500 in 2002. Although there have been fewer fires in recent years, the number of injuries caused by fires is still unfortunately high. In 2011, fires caused approximately 17, 500 injuries. Fires that occur in homes and apartment buildings can not only cause a devastating loss of sentimental personal items, but can also result in serious burn injuries and even death.

Wisconsin Man Dies in Apartment Fire

It was recently reported that a 61-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire that occurred in Delavan, Wisconsin. As noted by local authorities, a person living in the upper floor of the apartment building smelled smoke and reported the possible occurrence of a fire. By the time authorities had arrived, the caller was able to escape. Unfortunately, a man living in the lower apartment had not been able to escape and was found badly burned. Firefighters attempted to revive him but their efforts were unsuccessful. They were eventually able to extinguish the fire and discovered that any damage due to the fire was contained within the bottom unit. The cause of the fire is unknown and will be investigated by a state fire marshal.

Types of Burn Injuries

In addition to being very painful, burn injuries can result in serious, long lasting effects to a burn victim. Typically, burns are categorized in three different levels: first degree; second degree; and third degree. In addition to the levels of burns, there are also several types of burns, such as thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiological burns. The American Burn Association reports that in 2013, 450, 000 burn injuries across the United States required medical attention.

Classification of Burns

When treating a burn, determining the extent of the burn is crucial. The following is an overview of the different classification of burns:

  • First Degree: First-degree burns occur when the outer layer of the skin is burned; as such, these are the least serious. Although first-degree burns can still be painful, the skin can usually heal within three to five days.
  • Second Degree: Second-degree burns occur when multiple layers of the skin is burned. Second degree burns  can result in blisters. The burn can be very painful and can take up to several weeks to heal. In some cases, it may be necessary for a victim to receive a skin graft in order to minimize scarring.
  • Third Degree: Third-degree burns occur when all layers of the skin are completely burned and destroyed. In extreme cases, the burn can actually cause the skin to turn black and become leathery. Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn and can result in the loss of nerve function.

Contact a Wisconsin Burn Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has sustained burn injuries from an accident involving a fire in Wisconsin, please contact one of our Appleton burn accident lawyers or Green Bay burn accident lawyers today. With offices located in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, we offer a free personal injury consultation to help you determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.