Acknowledging Your Pain, Pursuing Your Rights: Our Expert Burn Injury Lawyers Offer Compassionate Advocacy.
In a split second, an electrical accident, chemical spill, house fire, or other incident can leave burn victims permanently scarred and struggling to pick up the pieces. Every year, over 450,000 serious burn injuries occur in the United States, leaving scars that last a lifetime. Many of these injuries could have easily been prevented. Behind most devastating burns is an act of negligence that forever altered someone’s life. Whether your burn injury resulted from faulty wiring, an unlabeled chemical, a handling error by a nurse, or any other careless act, you’re forced to pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
Our burn injury lawyers know that the deepest pains aren’t visible – after the wounds are bandaged, the real work begins. Expensive reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation and counseling are only the start of rebuilding life after a catastrophic burn injury. When companies cut corners on worker safety or manufacturers produce defective products, they endanger lives. Wettermark Keith’s personal injury attorneys have a proven record of exposing negligence and recovering damages for burn survivors – and are committed to promoting safety and accountability. While you focus on recovery, our attorneys will advocate on your behalf for the compensation, accountability, and justice you deserve.
How Burn Injuries Occur
Burn injuries damage skin and underlying tissues primarily through heat, radiation, electricity, friction or exposure to chemicals. It is critical to understand the different types of burns, as each comes with specific injuries and required treatments.
Degrees of Burns:
- First Degree Burns – impacting only the skin’s outer layer, these cause pain, redness, and swelling. They usually heal independently within a week, but severe instances necessitate medical attention.
- Second Degree Burns – reaching deeper skin layers, these burns induce pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. Without appropriate care, they can scar and take weeks to heal.
- Third Degree Burns – these burns extend to underlying fat and tissues. Marked by a charred, white or blackened appearance, they often need surgical excision and grafting.
- Fourth Degree Burns – extending beyond the skin and fat, fourth degree burns are the most severe, penetrating muscle – and even bone – and resulting in significant destruction of tissue.
Types of Burns:
- Thermal (Contact) Burns – direct exposure to flames, hot objects, scalding fluids, or steam triggers these burns, constituting over 40% of burn injuries.
- Chemical Burns – when corrosive substances like acids, bases, or solvents come into contact with the skin, they cause tissue destruction. Immediate rinsing is imperative.
- Electrical Burns – electrical currents or arcs traversing the body cause these burns. Beyond visible entry and exit points, these currents can induce profound internal injuries.
- Inhalation Burns – inhalation of superheated gases or toxic fumes can injure the respiratory system, with potential damage to both upper airways and lower lungs.
What Kind of Accidents Lead to Burns?
Burns are not restricted to mere physical contact with a hot object or flame. A wide array of accidents can lead to burns, depending on the environment, the materials present, and the actions (or inactions) of those involved.
Household Accidents
Kitchen Incidents
The kitchen is often a hotspot for potential burn injuries. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to boiling water spilling over, or hot oil splattering from a frying pan. It’s also common for individuals, especially children, to accidentally touch or grab hot pots and pans, leading to direct thermal burns. Many of these incidents happen during the busy cooking hours and can be exacerbated when multiple tasks are being managed simultaneously.
Misuse of Electrical Appliances
Every household has a plethora of electrical appliances, each with its own set of safety guidelines. When these appliances malfunction or are misused, they can pose significant risks. For instance, overloaded sockets, damaged cords, or the use of devices near water sources can lead to electrical fires. Such fires not only damage property but can cause severe burns, especially if individuals attempt to handle the malfunctioning device.
Bathroom Accidents
The average bathroom carries its own set of burn risks. Water heaters, especially older models without adjustable thermostats, can dispense water at dangerously high temperatures. A malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to unexpectedly hot water output, causing scald burns when individuals are caught off guard during a shower or bath.
Industrial Accidents
Chemical Spills
In industrial settings, workers often handle potent chemicals as part of their daily tasks. Without proper protective equipment or due to accidental spills, these corrosive substances can come into contact with the skin, leading to chemical burns. The severity of these burns often depends on the nature of the chemical and the duration of contact.
Machinery Malfunctions
Large industrial machines operate at high capacities and can generate significant heat. When these machines malfunction, they can overheat or release hot steam and substances. Operators or workers in close proximity can suffer from thermal burns, especially if safety shutdown mechanisms fail.
Auto Accidents
Vehicle Fires
Car crashes or collisions are traumatic events, and in certain scenarios, they can be compounded by the risk of fires. Damaged fuel tanks or ruptured fuel lines can leak, and the presence of sparks or high temperatures can ignite these leaks. The resulting fires can cause burn injuries to already vulnerable passengers, making prompt rescue operations critical.
Road Rash
For those who prefer two wheels over four, road rash is a known hazard. When motorcyclists or bicyclists are involved in accidents, they often slide across the road surface. This combination of friction and heat results in friction burns, commonly known as road rash, which can be painful and require specialized treatment.
Recreational Accidents
Camping Incidents
The inexperienced handling of campfires, or unsafe use of flammable liquids can result in sudden flare-ups or fires getting out of control. Burns from these incidents can range from minor to severe, depending on proximity and the nature of the fire.
Sunburns
While a day at the beach or a hike in the mountains sounds enticing, prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays without adequate protection can lead to radiation burns, more commonly known as sunburns. These burns are not only painful but can have long-term effects on the skin, increasing the risk of skin conditions and diseases.
Medical and Cosmetic Procedures
Laser Treatments
The cosmetic industry has seen a surge in procedures using laser technology. However, if not administered correctly, laser treatments targeting hair removal, skin resurfacing, or other skin issues can result in burns. It emphasizes the need for trained professionals and adequately maintained equipment.
Radiation Therapy
While radiation therapy is a crucial tool in the fight against cancer, intense, sustained radiation can sometimes lead to burns. These burns occur when the skin absorbs more radiation than intended, often due to equipment malfunctions or oversight in administration. Continuous monitoring and post-procedure care are vital to prevent and manage such incidents.
