Types of Accidents Causing Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are among the most painful and long-lasting. According to a study done by the National Institute of Health, more than two million people seek treatment for burn injuries every year, and thousands die from their injuries. Burn injuries can result from a broad range of accidents, often the result of carelessness or negligence. This blog post identifies the most common types of accidents causing burn injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you want an experienced lawyer to help you pursue full and fair compensation.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we bring more than 25 years of legal experience, representing injured people throughout Morristown, Denville, and Newark, New Jersey, as well as the surrounding communities. Attorney Todd Leonard was named a New Jersey Super Lawyer in 2011. For a free initial consultation, contact our office online, or call us at (973) 920-7900.

The Different Types of Burn Injury Accidents

While you can suffer burns through exposure to chemicals, electricity or radiation, burns are most commonly the result of exposure to heat, whether in the form of fire, hot liquids or steam. The types of accidents most frequently associated with burn injuries are:

• Building fires—Because most building have many flammable components, as well as the factors that can lead to fire—electrical wiring, gas appliances and furnaces—building fires are the single greatest risk of burn injury. Unfortunately, they can also be the greatest risk of fatal burns, as people can easily get trapped in a burning building, particularly a high rise structure. Studies show that 83% of civilian fire deaths are in residential fires.
• Motor vehicle fires—Statistics obtained by FEMA show that more than 500 people die every year from motor vehicle fires, frequently when they are trapped in a car after a motor vehicle accident.
• Burns caused by dangerous or defective products—The most common types of consumer products that have led to burn injury are space heaters, fire extinguishers, candles/candleholders and stove-top items, such as tea kettles.
• Burns caused by flammable materials, such as clothing or furniture—Many clothing items have been subject to recall because of their potential flammable quality, such as pajamas, fleece items and scarves. In addition, chairs or sofas with cloth covering can be a fire hazard, as can drapes/curtains, carpet and rugs, and mattresses or mattress pads.
• Gas explosions—Most gas explosions involve natural or propane gas, used for home heating, cooking or laundry. Frequently, these explosions are caused by negligence in the installation or maintenance of gas devices, such as furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters or dryers.

Contact Our Office

To set up a free initial consultation, contact us by e-mail or call the office of the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, at (973) 920-7900. Se habla español.