Michael Padway & Associates Burn Victim Attorneys
Serving Washington, D.C.

BURN VICTIMS

In the United States, approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported per year.

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Up to 10,000 people die in the United States of burn-related infections. Approximately 650,000 of the injuries are treated by medical professionals; 75,000 are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 have major burns involving at least 25% of their total body surface. Between 8,000 and 12,000 of patients with burns die, and approximately one million burn victims will sustain substantial or permanent disabilities resulting from their burn injury.

• Accidental, or unintentional, injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and younger.
• The five leading causes of accidental injury are burns, motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisonings, and drownings.
• Burns and fires are the fourth most common cause of accidental death in children and adults, and account for nearly 4,500 adult and child deaths per year.
• Nearly 75 percent of all burns in children are preventable.
• Toddlers and children are more often burned by a scalding or flames.

Burn injuries are notoriously painful and can be serious and disfiguring, depending on their location and severity. Burn survivors may endure...

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   Physical and emotional trauma
2. An injury that leaves one in pain
3. Disfigurement
4. Organ damage
5. Body chemistry damage
6. Sensitivity to temperature change

Causes

Burn injuries can have a number of causes. Burn injuries can result from a variety of different activities and sources. Whether at home or on the job you can be exposed to unknowing dangers.:
Electrocution Burns, Building Fires, Thermal Burns, Chemical Burns, Smoke/Heat Inhalation, Gas Explosions, Fume Ignition, Gasoline Spills, Flammable Clothing, Motor Vehicle Fires, Flammable Liquids, Water Heater Fires, Scald/Burn from Hot Liquid and
Defective Products

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when the skin is in contact with strong acids or alkalids. The extent of damage depends on how long the skin is exposed to the chemical. The chemical will continue to 'eat' its way through the skin and deeper layers until it is washed away. It is important to wash away the chemical burn as soon as possible and remove clothing and jewelry that may have the chemical on them.
Household chemicals that cause burns include bleach, boric acid, paint thinner, and plumbing decloggers such as Drano or Liquid Plumber. While many chemical burns occur in the home, they are also common in the workplace in certain industries. Occupational agents such as liquid concrete in the road construction and paving industry are also the source of chemical burns

Thermal burns

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Thermal burns are generally the most common type of burn. Thermal burns are caused by contact with flames, steam, hot liquids, or hot objects. A tap water burn is an example of a thermal burn. Thermal burns are classified as either first, second, or third degree. When burns are severe or cover large areas of the body (such as those that occur as a result of scalding shower water, for example), advanced medical care may be needed They result from exposure to or contact with steam, flames, flash, and hot surfaces or hot liquids with a temperature above 115º F. (e.g., boiling water at 212º F. (100º C.).

The extent of damage depends on the temperature of the surface and how long the skin is exposed to it. This type of burn commonly occurs in the home while doing ironing, cooking, or touching hot water and can result in first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.

While many thermal burns occur in the home they are also common in the workplace within certain industries. Asphalt and tar burns, for example, are serious injuries and often sustained by roofers, persons repairing roads and construction workers. In many instances, burns sustained in these situations occur to the hands, but can also affect other extremities that come in contact with the hot liquid. Adherence to workplace safety procedures is essential to preventing these serious burn injuries

Burn Injury Classification

• First-degree burns are the most common and least threatening. They involve damage only to the outer layer of skin. A mild to moderate sunburn is an example of a painful but relatively minor first-degree burn.
• Second-degree burns are deeper and cause damage to the underlying layer of skin, the dermis. These burns are extremely painful and may blister. As long as second-degree burns cover only a small area of the body, they do not usually pose serious health risks.
• Third-degree burns are the most serious and can even be life threatening when they cover large areas of the body. Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin. Victims may be in pain, although in cases in which the nerve endings are destroyed, the area may feel numb. Third-degree burns require immediate medical treatment and often leave permanent scars.

The severity of a burn is also influenced by other factors, such as the source of the burn, its location and extent, the victim’s medical history, and the age of the victim. Some burn injuries can threaten the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Burn injury victims sometimes experience emotional and psychological trauma as well. Another major concern after serious burn injuries is shock.

Should You Seek Legal Help?

After a severe burn injury, the burn survivor and the burn survivor's family faces a number of serious issues requiring qualified, professional advice. Some of the most important questions asked by the burn survivor and their families are:

• How will past medical bills or the cost of future medical care be paid?
• How will the family bills be paid?
• Was the injury caused by the negligence of some other person or entity?

If you have suffered a burn injury, you may want to consider contacting a burn victim attorney who has expertise in burn injury cases. You may be eligible for compensation.

Online Burn Injury Resources