Common Causes of Burn Injuries (and How to Avoid Them)

Burn injuries can be incredibly painful and, in severe cases, life-altering. They result from various causes, including heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation. Burns are very common, and most of them are preventable. Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree burns, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin’s surface. Understanding the common causes of burn injuries and how to prevent them is essential to staying safe.

Hire a Florida burn injury lawyer if you’ve suffered a severe radiation burn. Legal assistance can help you recover damages and medical expenses.

Thermal Burns: The Most Common Type of Burn Injury

Thermal burns occur when the skin comes into contact with flames, hot objects, or steam. These are some of the most frequent burn injuries and can range from minor to severe. They are often caused by household accidents, workplace incidents, and fire-related emergencies. Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injuries, making up about 86% of the burned patients requiring burn center admission. Common causes of thermal burns include house fires, industrial accidents, and kitchen accidents involving hot oil or boiling water. A significant proportion of burn-related deaths, approximately 72%, result from residential fires.

Prevention tips:

• Keep flammable objects away from open flames.
• Set water heaters to a safe temperature (below 120°F).
• Use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.
• Install fire alarms and have an escape plan in case of fire.

Scald Burns: Hot Liquid and Steam Injuries

Scald burns are caused by hot liquids or steam, often occurring in the kitchen or bathroom. Hot liquids such as coffee, tea, and soup are leading causes of burns for children under five. Kitchen-related injuries from hot drinks, soups, and microwaved foods are especially common among children. Young children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to these burns. A moment of carelessness, such as spilling a hot drink or stepping into an overly hot bath, can lead to painful injuries.

Prevention tips:

• Test bathwater before getting in.
• Turn pot handles inward on the stove.
• Use travel mugs with secure lids for hot beverages.
• Be cautious when opening steam-producing appliances like microwaves and kettles.

Electrical Burns: Hidden Dangers of Electrical Shock

Electrical burns happen when the body comes into contact with an electrical current, whether alternating or direct current. These burns can cause deep tissue damage and may not always be visible on the surface. Many electrical burns occur in workplaces, construction sites, and homes with faulty wiring.

Prevention tips:

• Keep electrical appliances away from water.
• Use outlet covers if small children are present.
• Hire a professional electrician for repairs.
• Never touch downed power lines.

Chemical Burns: The Dangers of Hazardous Substances

Chemical burns result from exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. These burns often occur in workplaces, laboratories, and even household cleaning areas. Some chemicals, such as solvents and cleaning products, can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes, leading to long-term damage.

Prevention tips:

• Wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling chemicals.
• Store chemicals in labeled, childproof containers.
• Rinse immediately if chemicals come into contact with skin.
• Follow safety guidelines when using industrial or cleaning chemicals.

Radiation Burns: Overexposure to UV and Medical Radiation

Radiation burns can occur from overexposure to the sun, tanning beds, or radiation therapy for medical treatments. Radiation burns can also result from radiation exposure in occupational settings, such as medical radiology or nuclear plants. Prolonged exposure to sources of radiation, such as ultraviolet rays or X-rays, increases the risk of radiation burns. Certain occupations, like nuclear plant workers and medical radiology technicians, have an increased risk of radiation burns due to frequent or accidental exposure. These burns can cause severe skin damage over time and may lead to long-term complications, including skin cancer.

Prevention tips:

• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
• Use protective clothing and hats.
• Follow medical guidelines if undergoing radiation therapy.

Friction Burns: Injuries from High-Speed Accidents

Friction burns occur when the skin is scraped against a rough surface, such as in motorcycle accidents, treadmill mishaps, or sports injuries. These burns are a combination of heat and abrasion damage and can be extremely painful.

Prevention tips:

• Wear protective clothing during activities like biking and running.
• Use proper safety gear for high-contact sports.
• Avoid running on unstable or rough surfaces.

Fireworks and Explosives Burns: Celebrations Gone Wrong

Improper handling of fireworks, gas explosions, or other explosive materials can lead to severe burns and injuries. Firework-related burns often occur during holidays and celebrations, where safety precautions may be overlooked.

Prevention tips:

• Follow all safety guidelines when using fireworks.
• Keep a safe distance from active fireworks.
• Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Store flammable materials properly to prevent accidental explosions.

Kitchen Accidents: Cooking-Related Burn Risks

The kitchen is one of the most common places for burn injuries. Grease fires, hot oil splashes, and contact with hot surfaces can cause severe burns. Cooking-related burns can happen in an instant, especially when rushing or multitasking.

If a kitchen accident occurs, it is crucial to stop the burning process immediately by removing the source of heat and cooling the affected area to prevent further injury.

Prevention tips:

• Use caution when frying or cooking with hot oil.
• Keep flammable items away from the stove.
• Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Never leave cooking unattended.

Workplace Burns: Industrial and Job-Related Hazards

Industrial and workplace burns occur in environments where employees work with machinery, chemicals, or open flames. Risk factors for workplace burns include certain occupations, the absence of safety devices, and behaviors such as neglecting safety protocols. Without proper safety measures, burn injuries can be severe. Many workers in construction, manufacturing, and food industries are at risk of burns. To protect against burn injuries, it is important to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as heat-resistant gloves and goggles in the workplace.

Prevention tips:

• Follow workplace safety protocols.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks.
• Ensure all workers are trained on handling hazardous materials.
• Conduct regular safety inspections.

Inhalation Burns: A Serious and Often Overlooked Cause

Inhalation burns, also known as inhalation injury, occur when a person breathes in hot gases, smoke, or toxic chemicals, typically during a fire or explosion. Inhalation injury significantly impacts prognosis and often requires specialized care, including airway management and possible ICU admission. These burns can cause severe respiratory damage, leading to swelling, breathing difficulties, and long-term lung complications. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent further harm.

Prevention tips:

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
• Use protective gear when working in environments with smoke or chemicals.
• If caught in a fire, stay low to the ground to minimize smoke inhalation.
• Seek medical help immediately if you experience coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing after smoke exposure.

Burn injuries can also result from inhalation burns, which occur when a person breathes in hot gases, smoke, or toxic chemicals during a fire or explosion. These burns can cause severe damage to the respiratory system and require immediate medical attention.

Burn Injury Statistics

Burn injuries remain a major public health issue, impacting hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 450,000 patients receive treatment for burn injuries annually, with around 30,000 requiring care at specialized burn centers. Thermal burns are by far the most common type, accounting for about 86% of admissions to these centers. Most burns occur in the home, with scalding injuries leading among children, while open flame incidents are the primary cause for older adults. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding the risks associated with burns and the critical role that specialized burn centers play in providing advanced care for those affected.

Raising awareness about the causes of burn injuries is one of the most effective ways to prevent them. Many burn injuries, including thermal burns, electrical burns, and chemical burns, can be avoided with proper knowledge and precautions. For example, being mindful of hot liquids, hot objects, and open flames in the home can significantly reduce the risk of thermal burns. Similarly, understanding how to safely use electrical appliances and handle chemicals can help prevent electrical and chemical burns. By prioritizing burn prevention and educating yourself and your family about the causes of burn injuries, you can create a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of serious burns.

How Do You Treat a Burn Injury?

If a burn injury occurs, knowing the proper first aid steps can prevent further damage and aid in recovery. Immediate treatment can make a significant difference in healing and minimizing long-term effects. For superficial burns, it is recommended to cool the burn site with tap water as soon as possible to reduce pain and prevent further tissue damage. A thorough physical examination is important to assess the depth and extent of burn injuries, which helps guide appropriate treatment and management. Cold burns, or frostbite, occur due to tissue damage from extreme cold, similar to heat burns.

Immediate Burn Care Tips:

• Minor burns: Run cool water over the area for 10-15 minutes and apply aloe vera.
• Serious burns: Do not use ice or ointments; instead, cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage and seek medical attention.
• Chemical burns: Rinse the area thoroughly with water and remove contaminated clothing.
• Electrical burns: Call emergency services immediately, as internal damage may not be visible.

Legal Representation in Burn Injury Cases

Burn injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Navigating the legal complexities of a burn injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical treatments and recovery. An experienced attorney can help you:

• Determine liability and gather crucial evidence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
• Ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

The journey to recovery after a burn injury can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Many burn injury victims benefit from the support and guidance of experienced professionals, including burn injury attorneys who can help secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Legal guidance is especially important when burn injuries result from someone else’s negligence. Contact Levin Litigation for a free consultation today.