What do you think of when you think of serious burn injuries? If you’re like many people, you think only of fires. The reality is that most burns are the result of other issues – many of which can be found in your home right now. Read on to learn more about some of the most common at-home burn injuries that one burn injury attorney has seen. Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to set up a free case evaluation.
Heat and thermal burns
This type of burn happens when a person is too close to a flame or other heat source. Think of someone standing very close to a space heater or backing up into a fire into the fireplace. It can also happen when moving a candle and having candle wax drip on them. These are all common ways to suffer a heat burn.
Electrical burns
Some people only put up decorative lights around the holidays and others have them up all year long. Either way, they can cause serious burns. For example, if you reuse your lights year after year, eventually the layers that protect you from the wiring can become frayed. The copper or metal wiring underneath is then exposed can cause serious energy. Another way you can get injured from these lights is by plugging them into an outlet that’s not wired correctly.
Liquid burns
If you love a warm drink, whether coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, you should be aware that your favorite hot drink can be dangerous. If you superheat a liquid it can cause second and even third degree burns. All it takes is for you to spill just a few drops on your bare skin. Other causes of liquid burns include steam that comes out of radiators, which can burn the skin and cause life-threatening issues.
Steps to take after you’ve been burned
If you suffer from a burn, your first concern should be getting medical attention. If the your burn is minor, simply flush it with cold water. Then apply either antibiotic ointment or aloe vera and wrap it up lightly with dry gauze.
You need immediate medical attention if you notice that there is a significant amount of your skin that’s been burned, if the burn is deep, if there is exposed tissue, if the burn is white, or if there’s an excess of dead skin.
Have you suffered a burn? Get the help you need
If you or a loved one has experienced a significant burn then you may have a personal injury case on your hands. The best way to find out what your options are is to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation. We can assess the facts, get the information we need, and give you our advice on what your options are. If we move forward with the case, it will be taken on a contingency basis. Essentially, this means that you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Call today to learn more.
