Which type of injury typically results from being struck by lightning?

Being struck by lightning typically results in major burns due to the immense heat and electrical energy involved in a lightning strike. The high temperature generated by the lightning can cause severe thermal burns on the skin and underlying tissues, leading to significant injuries.

In addition to burns, lightning strikes can disrupt cellular and electrical functions in the body's tissues, causing additional complications such as cardiac arrest or neurological damage. This makes major burns the most characteristic injury associated with lightning strikes, as the energy from the strike directly interacts with the body in a way that causes these specific injuries.

Other types of injuries like fractures, concussions, or sprains are less commonly associated with direct lightning strikes. While they could theoretically occur due to falls or other secondary effects following a strike, they do not represent the primary danger or predominant physical injury resulting from lightning itself.