When a person suffers a significant burn injury, it can lead to chronic pain, disfigurement, and permanent disability. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), every year, an average of 121,000 Americans suffer burn injuries that require emergency room visits. The average number of fire-related fatalities in the United States is approximately 3,275. If you or a loved one have been injured by a serious burn, you should contact a skilled attorney to determine your options for pursuing compensation from those who were responsible.
Accidents Leading to Burn Injuries
Throughout the United States, a person is fatally burned every 2 hours and 35 minutes. Regardless of how burns are suffered, the impact of these injuries can be life-altering. Some of the leading causes of burn injuries include:
- Car Accidents: According to the ABA, motor vehicle collisions only account for approximately 5% of all annual burn injuries. However, when a vehicle erupts into flame, the injuries can be incredibly severe or fatal, due to the amount of fire, the sudden nature of the eruption, and the difficulties of escaping the vehicle. A motor vehicle can catch fire for a number of reasons, including defective manufacturing of vehicle parts. If a car has a defective gas tank or fuel delivery system, leaking gas can cause dangerous fires in the immediate aftermath of a collision.
- Occupational Burns: According to statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 5,000 American workers suffer burn injuries on an annual basis, and chemical and electrical burns make up approximately 10% of all burn injuries that require medical attention. Despite increased safety measures designed to lower the chances of burn injuries in the workplace, occupational accidents are still the second most common cause of burn injuries. These injuries can be caused by leaks of hazardous materials, explosions, or electrical malfunctions. In the event of a burn injury in the workplace, an injured employee will typically be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
- Exploding E-Cigarettes: Nationwide, e-cigarettes and vape pens have become a cultural phenomenon. According to research conducted by the Annals of Internal Medicine, more than 10 million Americans currently use e-cigarettes. Unfortunately, these devices have been known to explode. E-cigarettes use a lithium-ion battery to heat up the liquid that ultimately creates the vapor that users inhale. If these batteries are defective, the device can explode or spontaneously catch fire. Due to the fact that a user of an e-cigarette will have the object close to their face, the injuries suffered in an e-cigarette accident can cause significant facial scarring or injuries to the eyes, throat, neck, or brain.
Contact a Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer
After suffering a burn injury, a victim can face years of chronic pain, difficulty moving, and significant skin damage or scarring. Due to the long-term symptoms of most burn injuries, many victims suffer from depression or PTSD. At Pullano & Siporin, we are prepared to aggressively fight for the injury compensation you deserve. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a skilled Cook County personal injury lawyer, contact us immediately at 312-551-1100.
Sources:
http://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/nbaw-factsheet_121417-1.pdf
