Causes of Burn Injuries

There are a seemingly endless number of scenarios in which a person can suffer a serious burn injury. Some of the most common are on-the-job accidents, fires, accidents in the home, auto accidents, electrocution, use of defective products, gas explosions, exposure to corrosive chemicals, and overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Burn injuries are classified according to method (cause) and degree (type). The cause of the burn injury is important since it determines the severity of the injury and, often, whether someone else is at fault for the injury. There are four main sources of burn injuries: heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns often result from household (particularly kitchen) accidents, fires, and auto accidents. These types of burns are caused by contact with a hot substance, including flame, hot water, steam, dry heat, and heated objects. Exposure to these heat sources can cause blistering and scarring of the skin, inhalation injuries, and other damage.

Chemical Burns

A chemical burn results from a strong acid or base coming into contact with the skin. Common sources of acids and bases include bleach, ammonia, and other household cleaners (for example, toilet bowl, drain, swimming pool, oven, rust, and metal cleaners). The extent of the injury depends on how long the skin was in contact with the acid and which part of the body was affected.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are a common workplace injury, occurring in construction sites, offices, restaurants, agricultural sites, and other places of employment. Electrocal burns occur when an electrical current comes into contact with the body; for example, when an appliance is dropped in water, when a child chews on an electrical cord, or when an object is inserted into an outlet or electrical appliance. The degree of injury depends on the type of current, the voltage, and the pathway the current takes through the body.

Radiation Burns

Prolonged exposure to radiation can cause burn damage. Sunburns are the most common type of radiation burn. Alternatively, X-rays and radiation therapy can also cause injury, in which case the patient may be eligible to file medical malpractice charges. Radiation burns can cause redness and, potentially, cancerous growths and internal damage.

Locate a Burn Injury Lawyer near You

If you have suffered a burn injury because of someone else’s negligent actions, you may be eligible to file a burn injury lawsuit. Use LawyerShop to locate an experienced burn injury lawyer in your area to determine whether you have a viable burn injury case.