According to the American Burn Association, over 485,000 burn injuries that are severe enough to require medical treatment occur each year in the U.S. Unfortunately, as our Bucks County burn injury attorney can attest to, many of these incidents occur as a result of negligence. Here are the four major types of burn injuries along with examples of how each may be caused by the carelessness of another party:
- Thermal Burns – This type of burn results when an individual comes into contact with a hot liquid or object, steam, fire or some other heat source that is capable of scalding one’s skin. It is not uncommon for businesses to be held responsible when a customer or employee sustains a thermal burn. For instance, if a patron is seriously burnt by hot coffee at a restaurant, the establishment may be deemed liable.
- Radiation Burns – When a medical professional fails to exercise the necessary precautions when performing a diagnostic test that involves the use of radiation, a radiation burn can occur. Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy may also sustain these injuries. Depending on the circumstances, radiation burns can range from mild to severe.
- Chemical Burns – Chemical burns happen when one comes into contact with a strong chemical agent, such as bleach or acid, and suffers tissue damage as a result. Individuals who frequently deal with hazardous chemicals in the workplace have a heightened risk of sustaining this type of burn. If a business fails to maintain a safe work environment, thoroughly train employees on best practices for handling dangerous substances and/or properly label and store chemicals, the company may be held liable for a worker’s chemical burn.
- Electrical Burns – As the name suggests, electrical burns occur when electricity passes through a person’s body, thus causing damage to the skin, tissues and organs. While electrical burn incidents are most common in the workplace, they can also occur at home due to defective household products. In this case, the product manufacturer may be considered responsible.
Aside from causing enormous physical pain during and immediately after the incident, serious burns can lead to permanent scarring and often require victims to undergo costly medical treatments in order to recover. In the worst cases, these injuries may even prove to be fatal.
In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love suffers the consequences of a burn caused by someone else’s ignorance, getting an experienced burn injury attorney in Bucks County on your side will give you the best possible chance of proving the other party’s negligence and winning justice for your case.
Gary Heslin: The Burn Injury Attorney Bucks County Trusts
Bucks County burn injury lawyer Gary Heslin knows how deeply devastating burn injuries are for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered serious burns or some other sort of personal injury due to negligence, Mr. Heslin is here to help your family navigate the complex legal process involved in obtaining compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering and other damages.
If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Heslin, a compassionate Bucks County burn injury attorney, call the Heslin Law Firm at (215) 332-0300. We are here to help take some of the legal burden off your shoulders as you go through this difficult time.