Maryland Burn Injury Lawyer Blog tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009-04-14:/8 2010-02-16T05:27:01Z Provided by the law offices of Ingerman & Horwitz Movable Type 4.25 Burn Injuries in the Home: What You Need to Know tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2010://8.880 2010-02-16T05:13:18Z 2010-02-16T05:27:01Z Your home is your refuge, your walled fortress away from the dangers of the world outside your door. But sadly, the home can also be a dangerous place, particularly when it comes to burn injuries. According to a review of... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com medical-symbol.jpgYour home is your refuge, your walled fortress away from the dangers of the world outside your door. But sadly, the home can also be a dangerous place, particularly when it comes to burn injuries. According to a review of admissions to burn centers over a ten year period from 1995 to 2005, a full 43 percent of burn injuries occurred in the home. Forty-six percent of all burn injuries reported during this time were a result of fire or flame contact, with 32 percent of all burn injuries the result of scalding. An additional eight percent of all burn injuries reported during this time were from contact with hot objects. 

This clearly illustrates the kitchen and the bathroom are the primary danger zones for burn injuries in the home. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reports home-cooking equipment as the leading source of home fires and related injuries. Unfortunately, many victims of burn injuries in the home are those least prepared for it -- young children. In fact, the USFA reports the most prevalent sources of product-related thermal burn injuries for children under the age of 14 were common household items such as curling irons, room heaters, irons, hair curlers, ranges and ovens. Although children are unfortunately well-represented in the number of burn injuries reported, the elderly are also at risk. Most burn injuries in people over age 70 occur in the kitchen. According to the National Burn Information Exchange, the elderly make up the second largest group of burn injury victims after children, and their burns tend to be larger and are often more severe. It is important to note that product recalls due to defect and risk of injury are not uncommon, and manufacturers and retailers may be held liable in a court of law for injuries and even deaths caused by their products. No one readily expects to be the victim of a burn injury. Your home should be a place of refuge and comfort, and you should not have to live in fear of the potential burn injury hazards in your kitchen or bathroom. If you or someone you know is the victim of a burn injury in the home and you think you may have a personal injury case, it is extremely important that you know your rights as a consumer under Maryland law. Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation today.
]]> Types of treatments for 3rd Degree Burns tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2010://8.791 2010-01-21T19:39:47Z 2010-01-19T19:40:50Z Third degree burns are the most severe type of burn a person can sustain. The damage caused from a third degree burn can be permanent. Third degree burns may not cause immediate pain because the nerve endings are damaged or... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com Third degree burns are the most severe type of burn a person can sustain. The damage caused from a third degree burn can be permanent. Third degree burns may not cause immediate pain because the nerve endings are damaged or completely severed. They can be caused by chemicals, heat or electricity. 

Third degree burns involve all three layers of the epidermis or skin. It is possible to actually have the burn reach the bone, muscle and possibly internal organs near the burned area. Although a person will not feel the damage sustained to an area that has received third degree burns, the area around the burn may be extremely painful. Recovery from third degree burns will depend on how large and how severe an area was burned. In some cases, the recovery may be months or years, or in more severe case, permanent. Extensive scarring is a normal result of any third degree burn.

Anybody who has suffered third degree burns through no fault of their own, should contact an attorney. This type of burn is life altering and in many cases compensation is deserved. Medical treatment of this type of burn is very expensive. Hospital stays can be lengthy. A third degree takes at least three weeks to begin healing. If the area is extensive, the hospital stay may be much longer and require specialized expensive care. An attorney can help recover the costs of the medical and future medical treatments that will be needed after sustaining an injury this severe. Attorneys for the at fault party will try and get a victim to settle as soon as possible in order to avoid any future medical costs.

An experienced attorney can help a burn victim get what is rightfully owed to them. Treatment for third degree burns generally will include surgery to repair damage skin. This surgery is often referred to as skin grafting. If any internal organs were damaged, several surgeries or lifelong medical treatment may be required. Reconstructive surgery may also be needed for those who have endured a third degree burn. These procedures can be very expensive and may require several surgeries to complete. Insurance companies often view reconstructive surgery as an elective surgery and may not cover any of the cost. 

It is imperative a knowledgeable attorney represents your best interests. Please contact our firm for a free case evaluation if you are a victim of third degree burns. 
]]> Treatments for 2nd Degree Burns tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2010://8.790 2010-01-20T19:27:41Z 2010-01-19T19:39:19Z Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com Second degree burns are very serious. Many people develop second degree burns from an accident such as scalding, contact with open flames, and contact with hot objects such as pots and pans. Burn injuries can be difficult to live with if the burn area is in a sensitive area such as on a hand, arm, or foot.

A typical second degree burn is more serious than a first degree burn and produces dark red skin that is swollen and sometimes blistered. The burn area will feel warm to the touch and will cause pain typically without even touching the burn. The skin is incredibly sensitive and may cause scarring.

They typical treatment time for a second degree burn takes three to five weeks. Here is some information about a few types of treatments for second degree burns.

  • Second degree burns can be treated with antibiotic ointment on the affected area. Ointments help to soothe the burns and work to reduce swelling.
  • Wrapping the affected area and applying salve to the second degree burns a few times per day can also help the injured victim. 
  • If a second degree burn is very serious then it might require that the patient takes oral antibiotics and painkillers to help dull the pain. Surgery may also be used to clean the wound and to help remove dead skin cells. 
Second degree burns need to be sterilized at least three times a day to prevent an infection from occurring.

It is important to be careful when around any hot pans or fires. It is a good idea to wear long sleeves if cooking with hot oil. Oil is known to cause serious burns if it comes in contact with skin. When moving any large pots or pans off the stove you should be very careful. Wear shoes when cooking in the kitchen because hot pans can be dropped or splash and the hot water can scald the skin.

If you have received a second degree burn on the workplace or from someone else's negligence you should consult an attorney. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical expenses and any lost wages incurred. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation.
]]> Types of Treatments for 1st Degree Burns tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2010://8.789 2010-01-19T19:24:21Z 2010-01-19T19:27:09Z The first degree burn is the most common of all burn types and the least troublesome. This does not mean that it is not painful as you can probably well remember from the last time you touched a hot burner... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com The first degree burn is the most common of all burn types and the least troublesome. This does not mean that it is not painful as you can probably well remember from the last time you touched a hot burner or fell asleep in the sun. There is still a bit of nerve interaction and this can hurt. In fact they can hurt a lot. There are a number of ways that you can deal with these burns to limit the pain and help them heal faster. 

Always start by gently removing any clothing that might be in the way of dealing with the burn. The first rule of thumb is to cool off the area that was burned. Cold water for a number of minutes is the fastest as most effective way to do this. Running the burn under the faucet or using cold towels will both work. This will at least keep the burn from getting worse. In many cases, this immediate action will take care of the burn, at least from a treatment perspective. However, never use ice since it will damage skin even further. Many people who suffer 1st degree burns will stop right here with taking care of them.

To alleviate a bit of the pain you also might consider an aspirin or two. This might take away a bit of the sting and pain that is being experienced as well as any inflammation. Many people ignore this step and regret it later. To top it all off, you will want to put on some soothing creams such as aloe vera which will also pull away some of the sting (and is what many sun bathers will put on their sun burns).

Make sure you don't use any types of butters or antiseptic creams on burns since they might do more harm than good. Also never pop open a blister. Let it heal on its own. It will have less of a chance to get infected. As with other skin ailments, use Vitamin E and C on the skin to help heal it as well. First degree burns are fast, self healing and usually never need medical attention. Make sure you take care of it correctly so that the pain will go away sooner. 

If you have any concern with a burn accident you might have experienced and want advice on your course of action please contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.
]]> How Can Smoke Inhalation Cause Injury tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.518 2009-12-02T21:22:48Z 2009-12-02T21:23:14Z Injury caused by fire is the second leading cause of death in the home. No single cause has a greater impact on that statistic than inhalation injury. The presence of an inhalation injury in a fire victim is a larger... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com
There are over 100 toxic substances in fire smoke. Inhaling these toxins cause internal injury that is often hidden or overlooked due to the distraction of more visible burn trauma. It has been estimated that 50-80% of all fire related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation not burns

Symptoms of smoke inhalation can appear immediately or gradually over the first few days following the fire. Aside from obvious burns to facial openings, other symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, confusion, sleeplessness and saliva mixed with soot. An individual with these warning signs must be evaluated by a trained medical professional immediately.

Smoke inhalation injuries create three major categories of complication. An immediate complication is a decrease in oxygen levels in the victim's tissues. Carbon monoxide instantly binds to hemoglobin in the blood cells. Hemoglobin that carries carbon monoxide can not carry oxygen. By decreasing the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, carbon monoxide poisoning causes tissue damage by hypoxia.

Another immediate complication of smoke inhalation comes from combustibles containing paper, wool, plastics and nylon components among other synthetics. When burned these materials produce cyanide. Cyanide acts in a similar manner to carbon monoxide. Cyanide bonds to ferric ions on the cellular level. This chemical bond blocks metabolism for the individual cells. The result is cellular asphyxiation and death without immediate treatment.

Thermal or heat damage to the upper airway is another common mechanism of injury. Hot gasses within the smoke will char mucous membranes that line air passages in the upper respiratory system. Thermal damage can swell these passages making breathing or clearing obstructions more difficult. Severe damage can cause respiratory failure and then death.

Another major complication is chemical injury to the lungs. Toxic substances in smoke and combustible materials can easily damage lungs. Wheezing and bronchospasms can narrow airways and increase the heart rate. Within a few days, smaller airways will slough off leading to obstruction and pneumonia.

Pulmonary irritation is the final major mechanism of injury to victims of smoke inhalation. Combustion also releases solid chunks of debris or minuscule particles into the air during a fire. These solid bits are then inhaled causing damage to the respiratory system. Inhaled material can physically damage the lungs. The body will also activate its immune system to combat the invasion. The natural inflammatory reaction that occurs can itself cause tissue damage. Increased lymph fluid production in the lungs can lead to respiratory congestion.

Many of the signs and symptoms of smoke inhalation injury are difficult to detect. Treatment by a medical professional after all suspected exposure to smoke inhalation is a prudent course of action. Smoke inhalation injuries are potentially life-long in nature. ]]> Difference Between First, Second & Third Degree Burns tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.517 2009-12-02T21:03:20Z 2009-12-02T21:16:33Z From a legal perspective, burns may only be a prosecutable offense if they require hospitalization or if they prevent a person from living their normal life. Burns that require hospital treatment are third-degree and deep second-degree burns. The headline-making case... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com
First Degree Burns 

First degree burns require the least amount of care, and usually go away on their own. The clinical definition for a first-degree burn is that only the outer layer of the skin, or epidermis, is damaged. The epidermis turns red, and occasionally the skin gets inflamed and sore. However, the top layer of skin doesn't burn through to the next. Treatment for first-degree burns involve putting a damp, cool cloth over the affected area and try to keep it from further injury. Never apply ice to a burn. First-degree burns usually disappear within a week. These aren't serious unless the burn is over the majority of a sensitive area such as the face, groin, hands, feet, or a major joint, which prevents the victim from living his or her normal life. 

Second Degree 

Burns Second degree burns are defined as burns that go through the epidermis to the second layer of skin, the dermis. These burns typically turn the skin a pinkish red and form blisters. When pressure is applied to the area of the burn, blotchy discoloratons form. These burns result in swelling and intense pain. Second degree burns typically go away after two weeks to a month. Depending on how deeply the dermal tissue is affected and how extensive the damage is, second-degree burns may or may not require hospitalization. If the burn is under three inches in diameter and the skin is red, it should be treated as a first-degree burn. If the skin turns white, secretes fluid, or loses sensation, it is a more serious burn that you should have a doctor look at, as it could cause hypertrophic scarring. 

Third Degree Burns 

 Third degree burns are the most serious class of burn, in which all three layers of the skin are damaged, all the way to the subcutaneous tissue. They are the most visually striking, often resulting in physical depression, charring, or a leathery appearance. Skin may fall off, and muscle or even bone can be damaged as well. Third degree burns should definitely be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Even with medical treatment, third degree burns often result in irreversable nerve or tissue damage, and nearly always cause permanent scarring. Many require skin grafts or other reconstructive efforts to fully heal. They are often pain-free, as the nerves which receive pain have been completely burnt off and damaged. While waiting for medical attention, it is important to cover the burn with a cool, clean, damp sanitary bandage, cloth, or towel.

For more information on Burn Injuries please contact our law firm.
]]> Burn injury statistics tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.449 2009-10-15T03:18:34Z 2009-10-15T03:19:15Z Burn injuries are considered a problem in health care. Burn injuries are in the top five as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. There are over 200 special burn care units in the United States. Statistics... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com Burn injuries are considered a problem in health care. Burn injuries are in the top five as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. There are over 200 special burn care units in the United States. Statistics on burn injuries confirm that at least 50% of all burn accidents could have been avoided. There is one out of every 13 fire deaths in the United States that was caused by a child setting a fire. One-third of children preschool age has died by playing with fire. 

There are 2.4 million burn injuries that are reported per year in the United States. There are around 10,000 pediatric burn injuries yearly in the United States. Around 650,000 of the injuries are treated by medical professionals and about 75,000 are hospitalized. Out of the people that are hospitalized, there are 20,000 who have major burns. There are 8,000 to 12,000 who die from these burns.

Burn classification

Burns are categorized into first, second, and third degrees. The first degree burns which are superficial burns are caused on the top layer of skin. Symptoms of the first degree burn are redness in the skin. The burn can be painful and dry. It takes about around a week for the first degree burn to heal on its own. The next burn is the second degree burns which are partial-thickness burns. This type of burn goes under a few layers of skin. The symptoms of this burn are redness, and blisters that appear. It usually takes three to four weeks for it to heal and may leave a scar. The last type of burn is third degree burns which are full-thickness burns. These burns tear down all layers of skin. It can go through the underlying fat, muscle, bone and nerve structures. The symptoms of the burns are brown or black with the essential tissues showing white. Third degree burns are considered as being a serious condition.

One type of burn injury is from radiation. Ultraviolet light and nuclear radiation are causes of radiation burns. When absorbing too much Ultraviolet light, it can result into a burn injury. UV burns can come from tanning beds, too much exposure to X-rays, radiation therapy and too much sunlight. Treatment can include pain control medication to surgery. 
]]> Do you think you have a radiation burn? tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.448 2009-10-15T03:12:58Z 2009-10-15T03:28:26Z Do you think you have a radiation burn? If you even suspect that you have been exposed to radiation of any type, it is extremely important that you see a doctor. This can even include overexposure to a microwave, or... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com Do you think you have a radiation burn? If you even suspect that you have been exposed to radiation of any type, it is extremely important that you see a doctor. This can even include overexposure to a microwave, or burns caused by a cell phone on the fritz. Here are some signs that you may have a radiation burn:

A radiation burn is any damage caused to the skin by exposure to either radiation ionization, such as that created by a microwave, or exposure to radio frequency. A sun burn is a form of radiation burn, and most radiation burns are very similar to the symptoms of a sun burn. The symptoms of a radiation burn are any type of redness, itching, or peeling away of the skin in a localized area. If you have any of these, especially if the symptoms have arisen inexplicably, it's very important that you see a doctor in order to get treatment.

Some possible explanations for a radiation burn are:

Extended exposure to X-Rays in a medical context. X-Rays operate by passing radioactive particles through your body. If you are over exposed to X-Rays, it's possible that you may have suffered a radiation burn.

Over exposure to the sun. Make sure you use sunscreen at all times when you're outdoors for extended periods of time, even on cloudy days. This is the most common type of radiation burn and can even be one of the most dangerous forms.

Exposure to high powered radio transmitters. If you live near a radio tower, or a company that is utilizing some form of radio transmitter, it's possible that the rays it is giving off can cause a radiation burn. If you inexplicably have the symptoms of a radiation burn, and have not been exposed to X-Rays or extensive sun light, this may be the cause.
]]> Burn injuries and young children tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.434 2009-09-28T13:23:08Z 2009-09-28T13:28:31Z There are many potential causes of burn injuries in the modern American home. Burn injuries were listed by the CDC, the Center for Disease Control, as the fifth most common cause of preventable deaths in 2005. The number of people... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com There are many potential causes of burn injuries in the modern American home. Burn injuries were listed by the CDC, the Center for Disease Control, as the fifth most common cause of preventable deaths in 2005. The number of people seeking care for burn injuries is around 2 million each year, although many may treat lesser burn injuries by themselves and such as the real number of burn injuries may be much higher. The term "burn" is somewhat generic as heat, chemicals, electricity, radioactivity exposure and sunlight can cause the skin to develop a burn like injury.

Household fires are a major cause of home burn injuries each year. Over 80% of non-military fire deaths are due to a household fire. Household fires may be caused by cooking accidents, improper use of space heaters, and smoking. In fact, smoking is the most common cause of household fires. While household fires often cause a range of severe burns, smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death from household fires. A smoke detector can often be life saving if installed and maintained properly by checking the batteries at least twice a year.

In the home, burns are often caused by thermal injury which may be due to exposure to hot water, cigarettes, hot grease and hot beverages. Children and the elderly are often victims of burns because they might not realize how hot an item is, or may accidentally spill a pot of hot food on themselves in the kitchen. All parents of young children are recommended to keep hot pots and pans out of the reach of children. This may mean turning the pot handles away from the front of the stove, and using the back burners instead of the front burners. Children should not be allowed to play in a kitchen when a parent is cooking. A small child can be burned if placed into a bath tub with water that is too hot. Only lukewarm water should be used when bathing infants.Hot cups of coffee, or cups of any hot liquid, left on a counter top are also a source of burns as children can easily knock these over on to themselves. Moving these items out of the reach of children can decrease the chance of a serious burn.

Electrical hazards are a major source of burns in the home. You should have a professional electrician check your home every nine years to determine if there are any electrical hazards. Chemical burns can be caused by exposure to caustic chemicals, such as those used in cleaning products. To avoid chemical burns, keep all caustic and dangerous liquids and powders locked in a safe place and out of the reach of children. Matches and lighters should also be kept in a locked cabinet away from children.  
]]> Radiation Burns Caused By Cancer Treatments tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.358 2009-08-24T20:18:01Z 2009-08-24T20:19:10Z Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer while keeping the patient as functional as possible. Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Unfortunately radiation therapy may also cause radiation burns. These burns are also known as radiation... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer while keeping the patient as functional as possible. Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Unfortunately radiation therapy may also cause radiation burns. These burns are also known as radiation ulcers. Burn damage varies widely among the patient population, from light skin damage to underlying soft tissue and bone damage. The damage that occurs to the skin after radiation treatment is due to direct cell damage to DNA. Although radiation is used to kill the cancer cells, it may cause fibrosis of skin tissue within some patients. 

If a radiation treatment causes a radiation burn redness will usually appear around the affected area. It tends to mimic a thermal burn with mild to severe pain. A radiation burn may also make the patient susceptible to infections and consequently delay other cancer treatments.  Risk for further tissue loss increases after the initial burn takes place until the wound is fully healed. Topical antimicrobial creams may be used to help heal the burn and fight against further trauma. If the burn is severe, it may not heal without other forms of medical care. There is an extremely high threat of infection with severe radiation burns. Surgery may be performed with gentle tissue handling and I.V. antibiotics. Most minor radiation burn patients can make a full recovery with simple treatments. However more severe radiation burns may require long-term treatments and specialized care. Preventing infection, controlling pain and healing all ulcers and wounds are all parts of making a successful recovery from a radiation burn. In cases with deep radiation burns,  re-constructive surgery may be used after the healing process has completed for cosmetic reasons.  As cancer treatments are becoming more effective, patients are living long enough to experience the late effects of radiation treatment. In time, further studies will allow for a deeper understanding of the long-term affects of radiation treatment in cancer patients.

Depending on the extent of the radiation burns that are experienced, many patients may find the process emotionally and physically draining. Emotional support can play a large part of the healing process. Patients may feel wounds hold them back in their cancer treatment. If you have received a radiation burn or other type of serious injury, you may want to speak to our law firm. Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP offers free consultations and does not charge a fee until we win a judgement for you. 
]]> Burn Injuries - What are you rights? tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.226 2009-07-24T21:06:38Z 2009-07-24T21:08:05Z We have recently updated our firm web page burn injury section. The new page featured advice on burn injury victims and their rights. Take a read at the article or view all our burn injury resources.... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com burn injury victims and their rights. Take a read at the article or view all our burn injury resources.]]> How burn injury degrees are classified tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.71 2009-04-27T03:59:19Z 2009-04-27T04:01:31Z First degree burns are to those that are limited to the outer layers of skin, which may be red, charred, and swollen. Second degree burns show the same symptoms but affect not only the outer layer (epidermis) but the dermis,... Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com
Second degree burns show the same symptoms but affect not only the outer layer (epidermis) but the dermis, or under lying skin.

Third degree burns are those beyond the dermis layer, affecting underlying tissues and blood vessels.

For more information read our Frequently Asked Questions about burn injuries.
]]> Burn Injury Information tag:www.marylandburninjurylawyer.com,2009://8.52 2009-04-15T04:13:11Z 2009-04-15T04:14:46Z Alan Horwitz http://www.ihlaw.com
Learn more about burn injuries on our web site

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