Every year, approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported in the United States. In recent years, statistics from the United States Fire Administration showed that more than 3,000 civilians and 100 firefighters were killed in fire accidents annually. Approximately 84% of these fire deaths occurred in apartments, homes and other residences. Approximately $850 million in property damage is caused annually by the almost 32,500 fires that are willfully set.
The burn injuries caused by Massachusetts accidents can range from minor to severe, and even to wrongful death. A superficial burn, formerly classified as a first-degree burn, may be sore and red, but without blistering. A partial-thickness burn, equivalent to a second-degree burn, presents with blisters, wetness and severe pain. A full-thickness burn, otherwise known as a third-degree burn, generally features charred skin that may be white, gray or black due to the destruction of the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. The burned area may lack pain where there has been damage to nerve endings.
Massachusetts chemical burns are especially dangerous because they often corrode the skin until the chemicals are completely removed. Massachusetts electrical burns are also some of the most damaging types of burns. They frequently result in injuries to muscles and nerves, which may cause problems with coordination or even cardiac arrest.
Due to the fact that a child’s skin is not as thick as the skin of adults, children are more susceptible to Massachusetts burn injuries. Young children may be burned from scalding bathtub water or hot liquids and foods. Children may also be burned while playing with flames from matches, fireplaces, lighters and barbeque grills and pits.
Superficial and small partial-thickness burns can be treated by running cool water on the area or using cold compresses. The burn should be covered with sterile gauze and over-the-counter painkillers may help reduce the pain. Large partial-thickness burns or full-thickness burns, on the other hand, require immediate medical attention. The burn should not be submerged in water, although if possible, the burned area should be covered with cool, damp towels or sterile bandages and kept elevated. Timing in diagnosing and treating these types of burns is critical to prevent death in severe burn cases.
Once you have received initial medical treatment for your burn injuries, you may be wondering how you can hold the parties responsible for your burn injuries liable for their negligence. The expert Boston, Massachusetts personal injury lawyers and Boston, Massachusetts wrongful death lawyers at the Boston, Massachusetts Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates will fight tirelessly to get you compensation for your pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, medical expenses or wrongful death.
Emergency care treatment, skin grafting and plastic surgeries, pain medications and physical therapy are often necessary to treat burn victims’ injuries. These procedures can seriously destabilize an individual’s or family’s finances. Additionally, recovering from serious Massachusetts burn injuries often takes a significant amount of time. Whether you are undergoing surgeries at the hospital or bed rest at home, you may be unable to work.
