One of the most miserable human experiences is getting burned. If a burn injury is caused by another person, there may be a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims are incredibly important when a burn injury has occurred. It may help cover medical expenses, time from work, and compensate the victim for disfigurement and scarring, among other compensation factors.
In this post, a maritime accident lawyer will share more about burn injuries and how they happen. You’ll also learn what you should do if you have a burn injury caused by another person. Our hope is that providing this educational information will help the victim or their family.
Common Causes Of Burn Injuries
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents. If another person carries the fault, you may have a successful burn injury claim.
- On–the-job injuries. From working with abrasive chemical agents to working as an electrician, burn injuries are a very common on-the-job injury.
- Defective products. It doesn’t matter if it’s a lawn mower, or a battery for your vehicle or cell phone, if it causes a burn, you may have a successful claim. It’s important to note that for this type of claim to be successful, you must have used or tried to use the product in a way that it is commonly used.
As our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can share in their particular area of expertise, working in a maritime job involves numerous hazards, one of which is the risk of burn injuries. These injuries can occur in various ways, including exposure to hot surfaces, steam, and open flames. On ships, the engine room is a particularly dangerous area due to the high temperatures and pressure systems involved. Workers might suffer burns from touching heated equipment or pipes, accidental steam releases, or fuel and oil fires. Additionally, welding activities, which are common on ships, pose significant burn risks if proper protective gear is not worn. Burns from electrical equipment and short circuits are also potential hazards in maritime environments.
Burn injuries can have severe consequences for maritime workers, impacting their physical health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. The immediate effects include intense pain, blistering, and tissue damage, which can lead to infections if not properly treated. Severe burns may require extensive medical care, including surgeries and skin grafts, and can result in long-term disability. In the confined and often isolated environment of a ship, prompt medical attention can be challenging, potentially worsening the injury. Additionally, the psychological impact of a severe burn injury can be profound, affecting a worker’s mental health and well-being. Therefore, strict safety protocols and proper training are crucial in mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of maritime workers.
This does not just apply to maritime injuries, though — burn injuries can happen at any job and can have the same profound, lifelong consequences for those involved.
What To Do If You Have A Burn Injury Caused By Another Person
If you suffer from a burn injury caused by another person:
- Call 911 to get emergency medical help. Severe burns can be life-threatening.
- Use basic burn first aid if you know it.
- Take photos of your injuries and what caused your burn if you can.
- Get checked out even if it’s just a first-degree burn. You can still suffer from side effects or even disfigurement.
- Talk with an attorney who is experienced in handling the type of burn injury you have. This is crucial as someone who handles primary defective product cases may not be as skilled in on-the-job injuries or an arson that resulted in your injuries.