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Burn Injuries in the Home: What You Need to Know

By Alan Horwitz on February 16, 2010 12:13 AM | No Comments
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

By Alan Horwitz on January 21, 2010 2:39 PM | No Comments
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

By Alan Horwitz on January 20, 2010 2:27 PM | No Comments
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

By Alan Horwitz on January 19, 2010 2:24 PM | No Comments
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

By Alan Horwitz on December 2, 2009 4:22 PM | No Comments
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 factor in patient deaths than the amount or severity of the external burns that victim sustains.

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

By Alan Horwitz on December 2, 2009 4:03 PM | No Comments
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 of the 90's when a woman sued McDonald's and won happened because of the deep tissue damage and scarification caused by McDonalds' hot coffee. However, for the victim of a burn, it can be difficult to determine how serious his or her burn is. 

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 Injuries - What are you rights?

By Alan Horwitz on July 24, 2009 5:06 PM | No Comments
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.

How burn injury degrees are classified

By Alan Horwitz on April 26, 2009 11:59 PM | No Comments
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, 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

By Alan Horwitz on April 15, 2009 12:13 AM | No Comments
Burns are some of the most significant injuries we encounter.  The victim of a serious burn injury typically must undergo extensive and painful medical treatment.  Burn injuries often result in scarring and other permanent features.  Typically, the victim of a burn injury is likely to suffer some psychological trauma as a result of the circumstances regarding the injury, the painful recovery period, and the permanent nature of these injuries.

Learn more about burn injuries on our web site

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