Burn Injuries

Generally everyone has experienced a minor burn  during their lifetime resulting from touching a hot stove or pan. Unfortunately,  there are others who will suffer the injury of a major burn. Along with those  major burns come major complications including: permanent damage to the skin,  the loss of a limb and the need for skin grafts.

In the year 2013 the average number of burn injuries  receiving medical treatment was 450,000 with 72% of burn injuries occurring in  the home. Every year burn injury victims are injured due to the negligence of  others.

Possible  causes of burn injuries include:

• Defective  smoke defectors
• Locked  fire exits
• Unrepaired  and frayed wires; electrical cords and old appliances
• Scalding  water and pots

It is important to understand that many burn injuries  do not result in death. Many victims are left with lifetime physical and  psychological damage. That is why it is important for burn victims to consult  with an attorney who has experience in helping victims through this challenging  time.

Although many burn injuries occur in the home, the  workplace is still susceptible to being a place of danger. If you were injured  while at home or work, call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 1-800-738- WEWIN  (93946). Your injuries could have possibly been prevented and may be the result  of the negligence of others.

By definition, a burn is damage to your body’s  tissue due to heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. A very  painful experience, burn injuries can result in nerve damage, loss of oxygen to  the brain, tissue damage, infection and organ failure. All of these symptoms  are permanent and will leave the victim with a lifelong journey of recovery.

Types  of Burns

• 1st degree burns are  superficial involving only the uppermost layers of skin called the epidermis.  Symptoms include redness around the wound and minimal tissue damage
• 2nd degree burns permeate  deeper into the second layer of skin called the dermis. Symptoms of a 2nd  degree burn include redness and blisters
• 3rd degree burns penetrate  completely through the skin and may damage tendons, nerves and muscle or  bone.
• Heat  Burns (Thermal burns) are caused by fire, steam, or hot liquids. Scald burns  from hot liquids are the most common burn injuries to children and older  adults.
• Cold  temperature burns are caused by skin exposure to wet, windy or cold conditions.
• Electrical  burns are caused by contact with electrical sources or lightning.
• Chemical  burns are caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals in a liquid,  solid, or gas form. Some natural foods such as chili peppers, which contain a  substance irritating to the skin, can cause a burning sensation.
• Radiation  burns are caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation  therapy for cancer patients.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we believe in  helping our clients throughout the entire process of healing. We understand the  damage caused by the negligence of others and will work hard to get you the financial compensation owed to you.

Here at Merritt & Merritt we pride ourselves on  having a strong relationship with our clients. When you call us, we will take  the time to listen to your case.

If you believe you  have been a victim of another person’s negligence, please call us at  1-800-738-WEWIN (93946) for a free case review.