What Are 5th Degree & 6th Degree Burns?

The intensity of a burn is described in degrees. We know how common first-degree burns are—the kind of burns you might get from too much sunlight or a splash of hot oil. Second- and third-degree burns are also well-known, with third-degree burns requiring skin grafts to replace the entirely destroyed skin, including follicles and sweat glands.

Third-degree (and even severe second-degree burns) could require in costly burn care, but even with medical treatment, survivors may lose mobility or suffer chronic pain due to their injuries.

Is There a 6th Degree Burn?

But beyond that, there are even more severe, more life-threatening burns: burns of the fourth, fifth, and sixth degree. These burn degrees describe damage past the skin into the fat, muscle, and bone. In fact, that’s how each degree is differentiated from one another. Fourth degree burns extend into the fat, fifth degree to the muscle, and sixth degree to the bone.

Are 5th & 6th Degree Burns Fatal?

While doctors often discuss burn coverage when addressing fatality risk, the absolute severity and depth of a fifth- or sixth-degree burn could make even a contained burn deadly. For instance, fifth-degree burns could damage major arteries, leading to a fatal bleed. Fifth-degree burns also typically require amputation.

Sixth-degree burns cause life-threatening damage all the way to the bone, devastating everything from the skin to the muscle. In the rare case that a sixth-degree burn is not fatal, it will require amputation to treat. However, the intense heat required for a sixth-degree burn is typically the result of an explosion or a fire, which is why it’s rare to survive a burn that severe.

The Louisiana burn injury lawyers at Clayton, Frugé & Ward provide our clients with aggressive advocacy to ensure their current and future needs are taken care of. We’ve won hundreds of millions for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives while getting justice from those who wronged them.

Call (225) 209-9943 today to get a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case as soon as possible so you can learn your options.