Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in the United States. Minor burns and scalds can be treated at home but in some cases, hospitalization is necessary. According to the American Burn Association, emergency departments saw 486,000 fire or burn injuries between 2011 and 2015. Burns can be very painful and in severe cases, they can lead to a range of additional problems. These include infections, disfigurement, breathing problems, fluid loss, and a compromised immune system.

Burn injuries can occur in virtually any setting and some are due to the individual’s carelessness. However, many are caused by someone else’s negligence. This article will discuss some of the causes of burn injuries and who can be held responsible for them. If someone else’s actions caused your wounds, you could be eligible for compensation. You may be able to recover the cost of your medical expenses and other losses with help from a burn injury attorney in Maryland.

How Burn Injuries Occur

Burn injuries can affect anyone and they can be caused by several things. Fire, hot liquids and solid, chemical and electricity can all cause burns if they come into contact with the skin. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries are:

• Car accidents. When a vehicle gets into an accident, the fuel can ignite, causing the car to burst into flames.
• Defective products. Products that are not properly made can overheat or spark and injure the user. Battery operated toys or items that use combustible fuel can be quite dangerous if defective.
• Exposure to electrical currents can be dangerous. Not only can electrocution cause burns but it can damage the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems.
• Workplace fires. Workplace fires are more common than you may think. More than 33,000 workplace fires occurred between 2013 and 2017. Fires can occur in any work setting but they are more likely in industrial and manufacturing facilities. They can also occur on construction sites.
• Children and elderly people are especially at risk for this type of burn injury, but anyone can get scalded. Something as simple as hot tap water could cause a painful burn injury.
• Chemical burns are more likely to occur on worksites or in labs. They can be caused by gasoline, drain cleaners, acids, and paint thinners among other substances.
• Gas explosions. Equipment like furnaces and water heaters that use propane, natural gas or other fuels can explode. Anyone who is nearby could be at risk for burns.

If your burn injury was someone else’s fault, a Maryland burn injury lawyer can help you recover damages.

Holding Someone Responsible for a Burn Injury

The at-fault party can be held liable for losses associated with your injury. These may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Since some burn injuries require multiple surgeries and a long recovery period, your medical bills may be substantial. When you meet with your attorney, they will advise you on whom you should pursue for damages. Some of the possible defendants are:

• A driver if you suffered burn injuries in a car accident
• A product manufacturer if your injury was caused by a defective product
• The landlord or owner of an establishment like a hotel or restaurant if that’s where your injury occurred
• The gas company or any other entity which caused you to be exposed to chemicals or gas

If your injury occurred at work, you can recover some of your losses through workers’ compensation. You won’t need to prove your employer was at fault. If the burn was caused by a third party, you may be able to recover additional compensation by filing a lawsuit. Your burn injury lawyer will work with you to build a strong case, so you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC to Discuss Your Case!

Burn injuries can be painful, disfiguring, and highly traumatic. They often have a life-long impact on survivors, and many find the road to recovery tough. Burn injuries can also be very costly to treat. Getting compensation can be difficult but with a competent attorney on your side, your interests will be protected. If your injury was not your fault, you shouldn’t have to deal with the impact alone. Contact our team of skilled accident injury attorney in Maryland today to get the legal assistance you need. Your first consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by calling us. Book your meeting today!