Managing Partner
Burns are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer. Like other serious injuries, burns can have multiple negative effects on victims’ lives. If you are a burn injury victim, it is imperative that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. In this article, we examine common causes of burn injuries organized by burn type.
Thermal Burns
Causes
Thermal burns occur when a person’s skin comes into contact with hot materials, such as steam, hot liquids, or flames. These types of burns are among the most common types of burns that people suffer, and they can range from minor to life threatening. Common causes of thermal burns include house fires, industrial accidents in which employees encounter high-temperature materials or machinery, and kitchen accidents involving hot oil or boiling water. Since thermal burns can cause severe tissue damage, they require immediate medical attention to prevent complications, such as severe scarring and infections.
Prevention
To prevent thermal burns, it is important to use protective gear, remain aware of hot liquids and surfaces, and implement safety protocols in dangerous environments, such as industrial settings and kitchens.
Chemical Burns
Causes
Chemical burns occur following the skin’s exposure to corrosive substances, such as alkalis, solvents, or acids. There are various settings in which people can suffer chemical burns, including workplaces with hazardous materials and home environments with strong cleaning products.
In work settings, workers often suffer chemical burns following exposure to dangerous chemicals during manufacturing processes. And at home, people sometimes suffer chemical burns after mishandling cleaning agents, such as drain cleaners or bleach. The severity of a chemical burn depends on how strong the chemical is and the duration of contact with the victim’s skin.
Prevention
To prevent chemical burns, it is important to use appropriate protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, when handling dangerous chemicals. In addition, following proper storage and handling procedures for chemicals can lower the risk of injury.
Electrical Burns
Causes
Electrical burns occur when electricity passes through a person’s body, generating heat and causing both external and internal injuries. Electrical burns are particularly dangerous because they can cause serious damage to the tissue even if the external injury appears to be relatively minor. This sometimes results in victims forgoing treatment due a lack of understanding regarding the severity of the injury. Common causes of electrical burns include malfunctioning electrical appliances, occupational hazards in the workplace, and contact with live wires.
These types of burns can have serious effects on the muscles, skin, and other tissues.
Prevention
The prevention of electrical burns involves the proper use and maintenance of electrical equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of protective gear, such as insulated boots and gloves.
Contact a New York & Long Island Burn Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a burn injury in New York, you should contact an experienced New York burn injury attorney for help. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our burn injury lawyers are here to help you obtain financial compensation for your injury. When you come to us for assistance, we will analyze the facts of your case, plan a strategy, and aggressively seek financial compensation from the responsible parties. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced burn injury attorneys.
