Burn Injuries Not Caused By Exposure To Open Flame

When an accident involves explosions and open flame, you know that the risk of burn injuries to victims is high. However, according to figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more people affected by burns than you might expect. Every year, 1.1 million victims suffer burn injuries that require medical attention, and 50,000 of them will be admitted to the hospital as a result. Plus, more than 20,000 individuals will sustain burns that affect at least 25 percent of their total body surface, causing excruciating pain.

Still, keep in mind that these figures also include burn injuries that were not caused by open flame. Even though fires and explosions are common in accidents, there are multiple sources that may cause burns that are just as severe, painful, and debilitating. You should discuss legal options with an Oakland burn injuries attorney, as you may have remedies against the at-fault party. An overview about the many ways you can be burned is also useful.

 Non-Flame Sources of Burn Injuries: Coming into contact with a surface or substance is how burns happen, and there are a few that are common in accidents:

Electrical burns often occur in traffic collisions, as motor vehicles contain powerful batteries and numerous electrical components. You could also suffer burn injuries from electrocution when a negligent property owner does not address loose wiring.

Burns from chemicals can also happen because of dangerous conditions on property when the owner fails to keep the premises safe. Plus, hazardous substances are used in many industries. Employees may suffer chemical burns in workplace accidents.

Radiation burns may be the result of overexposure during x-rays and through use of other diagnostic procedures that use radiation to detect disease. When negligence by health care providers causes burn injuries, the claim may involve medical malpractice.

When someone is burned by an open flame, the injuries are classified as thermal burns. However, thermal burn injuries can also happen because of touching a hot surface or being scalded by steam.

Compensation for Burn Victims: Burn injuries are unique in two key ways compared to the harm from other accidents: They tend to cause considerable scarring, and they are excruciatingly painful. These issues affect your compensation because the reason for damages is to make you whole. To reduce the scarring, you may need numerous surgeries and skin grafts. You may qualify to recover for these medical costs, as well as hospitalization and other care.

You might also be eligible for damages for your pain, suffering, and emotional distress, which compensate you for how burn injuries affect your life and you personally.

 Set Up a Free Case Review with an Oakland Burn Injuries Lawyer

To ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages after an accident, legal help is critical. Our team at Venardi Zurada, LLP is ready to help, so please contact our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek, CA today. We can schedule a free consultation to review your case and explain how damages work.

Source:

cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf