Los Angeles Burn Injury Lawyer

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

According to the American Burn Association (ABA), each year over 450,000 serious burn injuries happen in the U.S. that require medical treatment. Depending on the severity, burns can affect more than just the skin but can also affect the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bones. Burns can affect the body’s physical appearance as well as psychological well-being. Here are some common causes of burn injuries:

• Apartment and house fires – Fires in apartments and houses can be caused by various reasons including broken smoke detectors, faulty kitchen equipment, or faulty wiring. Victims who suffered burn injuries in an apartment or house may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the landlord or responsible party.
• Car and truck parts and fires – Due to an accident, mechanical failure, part overheating. Significant burns can come from being directly exposed to flames in an accident or to extremely hot discharge from an overheating radiator.
• Chemical burns – From exposure to acids and irritants. Can result from exposure to a various substance commonly found in the workplace, home, and surrounding environment.
• Children playing with matches – One of the most common causes of burn injuries are the result of children playing with matches. Often, they’re simply fascinated with the fire and don’t fully understand the dangers of it. Prevent burn injuries by teaching children about the dangers and proper use of matches.
• Defective products – Faulty products can severely injure the user. Common defective products include:
  • Children’s toys – Examples of children toys and products that may be a fire hazard include food or bottle warmers, nightlights, trampolines, magnets, toy guns, clothing made of flammable material, and motorized ride-on toys.
  • Flammable clothing – Acrylic, linen, and cotton are some of the most flammable types of fabric. Once they catch fire, the flames can spread very rapidly causing serious damage.
  • Beauty products – Products for hair, nails, or skin can cause injury or burn the skin. Skin products potassium hydroxide and salicylic acid can cause severe burns, scarring, and nerve damage.
  • Heating pads – Poorly manufactured or defective heating pads and easily catch on fire since they release heat. For example, a defective heating pad may not turn off automatically which can burn the user while he or she is sleeping. Failure to provide proper instructions or adequate warnings can also increase the risk of injury to the user.
• Home appliances – Both small and large appliances including space heaters can cause residential fires resulting in burn injuries or death.
• Electrocutions or explosions – Electrical fires usually start with some sort of electrical failure or short, causing surrounding plastic housing to melt. Exposed power lines can cause electrocutions if contact is made while trying to fight an electrical fire.
• Furniture and mattresses – As of 2007, mattresses are required to meet fire safety standards set by the S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Failure to do so poses an increased risk to consumers including burn accidents and property damage.
• Kitchen & cooking accidents – Incidents in the kitchen are some of the leading causes of burns due to several ignition sources, foods being cooked at high heats, and potential for malfunction or disaster.
• Smoking and ashtrays – A leading cause of home fires are from smoking and ashtrays. Prevent hot ash buildup by emptying trays frequently and ensure the cigarette is completely put out before walking away.
• Vehicle fires – There’s more than 170,000 highway vehicle fires in the United States each year. Although they may occur less frequently than other types of fires, vehicle fires are more likely to cause fatalities. Most vehicle fires start in the engine or wheel area, passenger compartment, and trunk or cargo area.
• Workplace accidents – Explosions, hazardous chemicals, or machinery defects can easily cause workplace burn injuries. If an employer failed to maintain a safe working environment, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained by workers.