Burn Injury Facts and Statistics
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, California, Texas and New York have the largest number of fire-related deaths. Substantially more men are injured and killed each year in fires, and people between the ages of 40 and 44 have the highest fire injury rate.
The ABA estimates that one person dies every 2 hours and 41 minutes in the United States. Injuries related to fire and smoke inhalation killed 3,275 people, 310 of which were vehicle crash fires.
In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Action Plan for Child Injury Prevention, burns are listed as one of the five leading causes of deaths for children, costing millions in medical expenses and lost wages.
Treatment and Recovery for Burn Injuries
Treatment for burn injuries depends on the nature and degree of the burn. In addition to skin and tissue damage, a burn can cause shock, loss of sensation, and muscular swelling. As noted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, treatment and recovery related to burn injuries are associated with the depth of the injury.
A massive burn over a large portion of the body can generate “one of the most intense inflammatory states seen in clinical medicine.” A person’s intense inflammatory response may cause them to go into shock, requiring fluid resuscitation.
If severe, a burn injury victim may be given IV fluid to help minimize further damage to internal organs and prevent dehydration. A third-degree burn can require years of skin grafting surgeries, costing a victim tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. A burn injury victim may also need physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Because of the potential for disfigurement and the body’s extreme response to burn injuries, many victims require years of pain management and psychological support. Unfortunately, in some cases, burn injuries can be catastrophic where a victim is unable to return to work or continue a normal life without medical assistance. A burn injury of this nature should be investigated by an attorney.
Liability in Burn Accidents
If your burn is the result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Dangerous worksites, defective products, and industrial accidents may all result in liability. If you have a burn-related injury, you should always have your case reviewed by an experienced White Plains burn injury lawyer.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire or explosion. At Injured 914, our attorneys will work to reconstruct the accident, determining what or who caused your injuries. Burn injury cases can require complex litigation; you need an attorney with the experience and background to go after negligent manufacturers or employers who failed to provide a safe workplace.
Under Section 214 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP), regardless of whether you are filing a claim for damages under product liability, negligence, or premises liability, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to commence an action for damages within the three-year statute of limitations can result in your recovery being barred.
