Clearwater Burn Injury Lawyer
Each year, nearly 25,000 people are seriously injured because of a burn, and thousands of these are fatalities. Fire can be very helpful as a tool because it can be used to heat, to cook food, and to provide warmth, but it is also very dangerous. It can especially be a problem when involved in an explosion or another volatile event because they are difficult, if not impossible, to control.
If you have suffered burn injuries due to another person or businesses negligence it may be in your best interest to consult with a Clearwater burn injury lawyer. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can look at the facts of your case and help you put together the strongest claim possible.
Ways to Obtain a Burn Injury
There are many ways to be burned, and many of them may be things that you would not expect to be dangerous burn possibilities. Some of the most common burn accidents include:
- Fires, both residential and commercial
- Electrical burns
- Hot liquids
- Chemical burns
- Explosions of gas tanks or pipes
- Car or truck fires
Many of the fires that take place in a commercial or residential setting can be especially dangerous because there is a high possibility of being trapped in a building with no escape. Explosions are dangerous because they can be unexpected and very volatile, and chemical burns may not always be completely understood before they happen. Car or truck fires are often associated with accidents, which makes them especially hazardous.
Burn Injuries From Fireworks
Fireworks can be a very festive way to help celebrate special occasions. They are especially popular around New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July, with the summer holiday being significantly more fireworks-heavy than any other. Because they are designed to explode, they are inherently dangerous, although they have been made to supposedly reduce the risk of injury.
Tens of thousands of people are injured due to fireworks in a given year. Half of them are under the age of 20, and two-thirds of all fireworks injuries occur around July 4th. Interestingly, both spectators and those who ignite the fireworks are injured, though the detonators are significantly more injury-prone for obvious reasons.
There are many hand, eye, face, and burn injuries that can occur from fireworks. Many people try to detonate the fireworks in an unsafe environment or without following the instructions on the packages to help ensure their safety. Even when following the guidelines, though, people are still injured by malfunctions or faulty fireworks.
Burn Injuries Among Children
One of the most serious threats that children face is getting seriously burned. Children do not fully understand the dangers of extreme heat and fire, and as a result they put themselves in situations or act in ways that can lead to being severely burned.
Children up until the age of 14 face the most risk of getting burned, although kids ages four and younger as well as disabled children are at the highest risk of suffering a burn injury and burn death.
Moreover, because we live in a culture that emphasizes male activity and female passivity, male children are much more likely than female children to get burned. Very significantly, children in homes without smoke detectors or fire alarms are at a much higher risk than children in homes with smoke detectors or fire alarms.
Responding to a Burn Injury
The first step is to evaluate the severity of the injury. You need to call 911 if:
- The burn is large (about two inches or longer in diameter)
- The burn is on a sensitive area like the hands, joints, face, or genitals
- The skin around the burn appears white, darkened, or charred
- You have any doubts about whether emergency care is needed
While you wait for help, clean the wound with a cool, damp cloth and keep it elevated.
Treatment for Minor Burns
If the burn is relatively mild and none of the above conditions apply, just follow these steps:
- Wash off the injury with cool (not cold) water or a compress
- Do not apply any ointment or butter, as this can make the injury worse
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage
- If necessary, treat the pain with an over-the-counter remedy
- As the burn heals, keep an eye out for any signs of infection (swelling, pus, lasting pain, etc)
If the injury was caused by a negligent party, you may want to document the incident in case you decide to file a Clearwater burn injury claim.
Contact A Clearwater Burn Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been a burn victim as a result of another person’s careless or reckless actions, you may be entitled to reparations. For more information, contact the Clearwater burn injury lawyers of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, P.L.L.C. by calling (727) 441-9030.