Burn Injuries Affect Nearly Half a Million Americans Yearly
In 2014, nearly half a million people received medical treatment for burn injuries, according to the American Burn Association.
About 40,000 Americans were hospitalized for injuries including burns. Some 30,000 of those were treated at hospital burn centers, the American Burn Association reports.
Over 60% of the hospitalizations related to burn injuries were taken to one of 128 burn centers in the United States. The remaining 4,500 admissions occurred at acute care hospitals, which are averaging less than 3 burn admissions per year, according to the American Burn Association.
Of those admitted for burn-related injuries, nearly 69% were male and 31% female. About 43% of the injuries were caused by a fire or flames, another 34% were scalding injuries, 9% were direct contact injuries, 4% were electrical burns, 4% were chemical burns, according to the American Burn Association. About 7% were related to injuries caused by a number of additional sources.
About 3,240 Americans died from fire and/or smoke inhalation during this time frame; 2,855 occurred because of residential fires, while 300 were related to vehicle crash fires and another 85 from additional causes.
The majority of these incidents happened at home, with 73% occurring there. About 8% occurred at the workplace or were related to a person’s occupation. Another 5% occurred on the street or highway and an additional 5% happened during a recreation or sporting activity.
One fire death occurs every 2 hours and 42 minutes in the United States, the association reports.
Types of Burns
Burns can be very severe and can sometimes lead to lasting disfigurements and even death. Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring, infections, shock and more. Some common types of burn incidents include:
- Flame: Fires at a property, a gas station or automobile can cause serious injuries. Fire accidents caused by defective products can also result in an injury, including smoke inhalation.
- Flash: This relates to explosions that can lead to fires, including natural gas, propane, gasoline and more.
- Scalds: This relates to burns caused by very hot liquids like water, steam, oil, grease and more.
- Contact: This relates to burns caused by very hot materials, like metals, plastics, glass and more.
- Chemical: A strong acid or other chemical can cause very serious injury.
- Electrical: This relates to an electrical current entering and exiting the body.
Burns are very common in construction accidents, where the use of heavy machinery, flammable materials and other hot liquids and metals are commonplace.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Scars are a common result of a burn injury and it can be costly, emotionally and financially, dealing with the aftermath. Your appearance may be very altered, and plastic surgery can cost thousands of dollars. If you’re now dealing with permanent disfigurement as a result of a burn injury, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.
Contact an experienced lawyer today
The lawyers at Boone & Davis Law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have more than 40 years of experience helping burn victims get the justice they deserve. If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit as a result of a burn injury, contact Boone & Davis today to get the best counsel available.
