Articles Posted in Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are among the most painful and difficult injuries to recover from. Many people think that burns are relatively minor. However, serious burns in Hollywood and across Florida deprive patients of mobility and muscle tone and in some cases lead to permanent scarring. The scarring and pain that come from burns can lead to depression, isolation, and other serious problems.

Many people have a number of misconceptions about burns. Some of the more common myths about burns are:

1) Many people believe that burns come from fire. Chemical burns can be just as devastating. Scalding burns from hot steam and hot liquid can also cause significant scarring and other problems. Hot liquids are in fact one of the most common types of burn injuries seen in most ERs. LPG cylinders are also a very common cause of burns.

2) Many people believe that they should not put anything on a burn. According to burn and plastic surgery specialists, if your clothing catches on fire, the best option is to stop or stay still to avoid fanning the flames and then drop to the ground and roll to put out the fire. Whether you have sustained a burn injury through scalding or flame, apply cold water. Never apply ice to burn, as it can cause further damage. In the case of severe burns, head to the emergency room.

3) Many people reach for oils or ointments if they sustain a burn. Most experts agree that if the burn seems serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room or doctor, applying anything other than water and a clean cloth can make it harder for experts to properly diagnose the burn.

4) Some people misdiagnose the severity of the burn and the treatment options. Serious burns may require a tetanus shot, and any burn that results in a blister can be serious enough to warrant this vaccination. If you are not sure whether your burn requires treatment or not, visit your doctor. Failing to handle a burn can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications.

5) Many patients believe that they are financially covered when they are not. You may not be covered for burns under your insurance as much as you think you are. If you have medical insurance, for example, skin grafts and other procedures may not be covered because your insurance company may claim that the procedures are “cosmetic.” The same issue may occur if you file a claim through car accident insurance. Burn treatments can be very expensive and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you are having trouble getting treatment covered, you may have an insurance dispute claim in Hollywood or your community or you may be able to seek compensation through other means. Contact a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your city to find out what options you have.

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Eye injuries and burn injuries in Miami and other communities are a cause for concern among medical professionals and local emergency rooms at this time of year. Each year, people are admitted to emergency rooms with injuries caused by fireworks. Injuries to children and minors in Miami and other cities are often associated with fireworks this year. To prevent injuries in your family, keep in mind these safety tips this holiday weekend:

1) Do not buy fireworks online or from out-of-state. These may not meet safety standards in Florida and may even be illegal in the state. According to the State Fire Marshal, sparklers – including glow worms, snakes, and fountains – are legal – but roman candles, red waves, and other firecrackers that shoot through the air are not legal.

2) The safest way to see fireworks is through an official fireworks event. These are held in and around Miami each year. Public displays are organized by professionals and strict safety standards are observed. In addition, public displays are often much more dramatic than private displays.

3) If you decide to have fireworks at your home, use extra caution. Keep in mind that burns, fractures, and even head injuries in Miami and other communities are common injuries resulting from fireworks. If a guest is injured at your home from your fireworks display, you may be held liable in a premises liability case in Miami or your community. Buy sparklers and set them off in accordance with package instructions. Do not let children handle fireworks and be sure to keep guests well away from the area where fireworks are being set off. If children are present during the fireworks display, ensure that the children are supervised constantly. Store fireworks safely before the party and dispose of them safely afterwards, so that children cannot access them.

4) Make sure your children are aware of the risks of fireworks. Even if you decide not to have fireworks at your home, your children may access fireworks online or through a friend. Make sure they understand the dangers and are taught never to treat fireworks as toys.

5) Never mix fireworks and alcohol. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and other Florida communities are concern every holiday weekend. However, alcohol can also affect your judgment and your mobility, which can make fireworks more dangerous. If you are setting off fireworks or watching fireworks, drink responsibly to prevent injuries.

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Fall and winter can mean an increased risk of fires and burns, especially with holiday decorations and heating during winter nights. Burns are a common cause of Deerfield Beach accidental deaths. Burns can also be very painful and can lead to permanent injury, scarring, and mobility issues. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent this common type of Deerfield Beach personal injury:

1) Be extra cautious with candles. Many people use candles at this time of year for scent or as a decoration for the holidays. However, candles are a common cause of injuries and fire. They can be especially dangerous in households where pets or children can get close to the flame. If you decide to include candles as part of your décor, keep them lit only in rooms where you can provide close supervision. Keep the candles on a non-flammable surface and ensure that there are no drapes or decorations close to the candle.

2) Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ideally, have wired fire detectors as well as battery-operated smoke detectors that provide a back-up system. Have at least two detectors on every floor, including a detector near or in every bedroom in your home. Run regular tests on the alarms and replace batteries as needed. In addition to smoke detectors, ensure that you have working carbon monoxide detectors as well as fire extinguishers to provide extra safety for your family.

3) Put away barbeques, fire pits, and other signs of summer safely. If you decide to store your fire pits, propane, and grills for the autumn, ensure that you do so safely. Ensure that they are stowed where children cannot easily reach them and ensure that propane tanks are not in the garage or home.

4) Have fireplaces professionally cleaned. A roaring fire is beautiful and festive during the holidays, but if you have not been using your fireplace regularly it can be a Deerfield Beach burn injury hazard. Soot and other dirt can get trapped in the chimney and can ignite when the fire is lit again. Make sure to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned professionally before lighting your fireplace for the holidays.

5) Check your furnace or heating system. Fuel-burning furnaces can emit carbon monoxide and can also pose a fire hazard. Having your heating system inspected and maintained regularly makes your system more efficient and also helps catch any potentially dangerous issues.

6) Check cables and extension cords. Any cords that are frayed or worn should be replaced immediately, as they are a fire hazard. It is also important not to overuse extension cords, as they can also pose a risk. If you are hanging up decorations and need some extension cords, use the minimum number you need and opt for longer cords rather than stringing multiple cords together.

7) Review your fire escape plan. Even if you are very aware about fire safety, accidents can happen. To prevent a fatality or serious injury, make sure that everyone in your household knows how to get outside the house safely in the event of a fire.

8) Lock away corrosive chemicals, matches, and lighters. At this time of year, you may be looking forward to seeing more children in your home for the holidays. Even if you do not usually need to think about safety, you may need to secure any flammable chemicals and lighters and matches from young guests.

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Burn injuries are among the most devastating injuries to sustain. In many cases, they are not only painful but can also affect mobility, and, in many cases, a patient’s appearance. In many cases, Hialeah burn injury patients spend years rebuilding their lives after a devastating burn injury. If you have a burn injury, there are ways to get on the path to healing:

1) Get help as soon as possible. If you have a second degree burn or worse, you will at least need a tetanus shot. Visiting your doctor can ensure that the burn is not more severe than you think and can ensure that the burn is not infected. A doctor can accurately evaluate your injuries and provide you with the help you need.

2) If the injury is severe and may have been caused by a wrongful act or by negligence, contact a Hialeah personal injury attorney. A good attorney can investigate your injury, can determine liable parties, can accurately estimate the costs of your injuries, and can stand up for your rights. If your injury is the result of a Hialeah truck accident, traffic accident, or defective product, contacting a personal injury attorney is a good idea.

3) Get a good support network. A Hialeah burn injury can be devastating, especially if the injury affects your eyesight, face, or mobility. Finding a support group and relying on friends and family to help you is important to ensure that you have the emotional strength to heal.

4) Find out about burn injuries and speak with others about the injuries. There are many groups catering to the unique needs of burn patients. Speak with your doctor about groups and organizations in your area. These are often great resources for learning about treatments and options. Even just speaking with another Hialeah burn injury patient can be important for the healing process.

5) Protect yourself financially. Burn injuries can be financially devastating. If you have sustained a severe burn, you may lose income if you cannot return to work right away. If the injury affects your eyesight, face, or mobility you may lose significant income and you may feel devastated. You may require professional counseling, home care, rehabilitation, skin grafts, and other expensive treatment. Depending on the severity of your burns, the rest of your life may be affected by your injury. Speaking with a Hialeah personal injury attorney soon after your injury is important in safeguarding your financial future. An experienced attorney can help you determine the possible costs of your injury and can help ensure that you do not sign away your rights to fair compensation. An attorney can evaluate insurance company offers, can negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf and can pursue fair compensation for you so that you do not pay the full costs of your injury out of pocket.

6) Get counseling if you need it. A burn injury can be devastating, and some patients feel
depressed, angry, and withdrawn after their injury. If this is true for you, speaking with a professional can help you deal with these feelings so that you can start the healing process.

7) Get rehabilitation if you need it. Severe burn injuries can affect your mobility, so rehabilitation may be needed to recover some of your mobility. In some cases, you may be able to recover most or even all of your mobility with the right treatment.

8) Look into skin grafts if you need them. If your burn injury is in a visible place, skin grafts and other cosmetic treatments may help minimize the scarring so that you can recover more fully from your injuries and resume your life.

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According to the US Fire Administration (USFA) each year across the country children set fires that cause 1000 burn injuries, hundreds of millions of dollars in damage, and over 100 fatalities. In many cases, the fires are set accidentally when children play with lighters and matches. To prevent Miami Beach burn injuries from occurring to your family, the USFA recommends:

1) Teaching your children that fire is not a toy. Children are often fascinated by fire and by grown-up tools such as lighters. Teach your child about the dangers of fire, just as you teach them how to cross a street so that they are not victims of Miami Beach pedestrian accidents.

2) Keeping lighters and matches in locked cabinets. Keep all lighters and matches out of reach. The best option is a locked cabinet, where you can also keep sharp tools and any toxic chemicals which can cause Miami Beach injuries to children. Keep the key to the cabinet well-hidden.

3) Using lighters and matches safely yourself. Your children will learn safety lessons from you. Being responsible shows that you take safety seriously and will increase the chances that your children will be careful as well.

4) Buying and using only child-resistant lighters in the home. If you have children, get rid of matches and use safety lighters which are harder for children to use. Keep in mind that some children can still figure out how to use these lighters, so still keep them well out of reach of children.

5) Getting help for children who have a fascination with fire. While most children go through a stage where they are interested in fire, some children develop an unhealthy fascination with fire and start fires repeatedly. If, despite your best efforts, your child continues to find ways to light fires, consider counseling. It can help ensure that your child is not injured.

6) Make your home safe by installing smoke detectors and having a fire escape plan. Have a written plan in place and practice at least a few times a year. Have smoke detectors on every floor of the home and in the kitchen. Have fire extinguishers throughout your home as well, and check smoke detectors regularly.

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Even in Florida, where temperatures are mild enough to allow outdoor cooking for much of the year, this is often the peak time of year for grilling and barbecuing. More people are enjoying summer holidays during these months and for many people Labor Day represents the final chance to throw a barbecue party before school starts and the summer ends. Unfortunately, grilling results in emergency room visits each Labor Day. To keep your party safe and to prevent a Fort Lauderdale burn injury, consider these tips:

1) Avoid mixing grilling with alcohol. While barbecue and beer often seem like a classic combination, grilling while you are drinking can make you prone to accidents. Alcohol is also flammable, so spilling drinks can cause a dangerous flare-up. Finally, if you do decide to serve alcohol, make sure that you prevent a Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident by refusing to let your guests drive drunk. Call cabs for guests or arrange a spot for them to sleep over.

2) Set up the barbecue area far from the house and from flammable areas. Keep the barbecue well away from wooden decks and patios and well away from curtains or any outdoor garden furniture. Setting up near a driveway or garage is also problematic, since there may be spilled gasoline there. The safest spot is a relatively sheltered area on stone, concrete or asphalt surfaces.

3) Never leave the barbecue unattended. This is especially important if there are children or pets at your party. Once the party is over, you should be keeping an eye on the barbecue until it is completely cooled down.

4) Do not pour flammable materials directly on the barbecue. Use the minimum amount of lighter fluid you need.

5) Have a fire extinguisher handy. You can prevent many types of Fort Lauderdale personal injuries simply by being prepared. If you are cooking with briquettes and not propane you can use water or sand instead as long as you do not use lighter fluid.

6) Store barbecue lighters, matches, and sharp barbecue implements well away from small children.

7) Be especially careful where and how you store propane tanks. You can check propane tanks for leaks by painting the outside surface with soapy water – if bubbles form, there is a leak. Always store propane tanks well away from flammable materials and combustible materials. Store them in cool, dry conditions and check regularly for leaks.

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Paramedics and emergency room physicians see Davie burn injuries caused by kitchen mishaps all the time. In some cases, these burns can be devastating enough to cause serious injury or even a fatality. The severity of the burn depends on the materials the patient was using and the type of kitchen activity that caused the burn. For example, a burn caused by a splash of hot oil is different than a scald burn caused by the skin coming too close to boiling liquid.

A first-degree type of burn affects the outside of the skin and is similar to a sunburn in this regard. If the skin blisters due to a scald burn or if the skin is seared from direct contact with a hot surface, this type of burn is a second-degree burn. The most serious burns leave the skin looking black. These types of burns can cause damage to the nerves and tissues under the skin.

In most cases, a mild burn injury is small and does not result in severe damage. In these cases, the pain will go away after a day or two and in most cases medical attention is not needed unless the pain does not go away. For a mild burn, applying cool water and then a clean, dry gauze of cloth is the best course of action. There are some home remedies out there that suggest putting butter, onion, honey, or other substances on a burn. Physicians do not recommend this. In most cases, keeping the area clean and dry is the best course of action.

If the burn is a third-degree burn or affects the eyes, face, entire hand, or a significant portion of the body, it is a medical emergency and calling for 911 help is a good idea. Any burn that is larger than 10-15% of the body (or larger than your hand) is also a medical emergency.

If your burn is severe, you may require skin grafts, extended hospital stays, and even extended rehab work to regain mobility. If this is the case, you may wish to discuss your situation with a Davie personal injury attorney. If a product or appliance in your kitchen caused the burn injury, you could be eligible to pursue a Davie products liability claim, which could be important for recovering money you need for lost income and your medical treatment.

The best course of treatment for burns, of course, is prevention. You can reduce your risk of burns by following a few basic precautions:

1) Slow down and focus when cooking. Hot elements and liquids are safer when you are careful and fully focused on the task at hand. Remove distractions – such as pets – from the kitchen while you cook.

2) Cook on the back burners when using the stovetop, turning the handles of pots and pans towards the center, so that you will not crash into them as you move around the kitchen. When using the stovetop, do not leave the cooking unattended.

3) Wear practical shoes and snugger-fitting clothes when grilling or cooking, to prevent loose clothing items from catching fire.

4) Install a good smoke detector in your home and change the batteries as needed. Keep a few fire extinguishers in your home, and at least one in the kitchen.

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South Miami burn injuries occur every day, affecting victims in every age group and from all walks of life. Burn injuries can be caused by a number of incidents, including fires, South Miami truck accidents, chemical spills, South Miami motorcycle accidents, and other accidents. However, experts agree that these types of injuries are preventable. There are many things you can do to help prevent burn injuries:

1) Check chemicals in your home. Many people associate South Miami burn injuries with fires, but many chemicals can cause serious burns as well. Even everyday household cleaners and items have toxic chemicals that cause second-degree burns, and children are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries. Carefully check all the chemicals and cleaning agents you bring into your home. Any chemicals that are toxic or corrosive should be kept in a locked area, well out of reach of children. Any flammable chemicals that can explode when heated should be kept in a cool and dry environment. Dispose of these items safely if the packaging or containers become corroded or damaged.

2) Have a working smoke detector. A smoke detector helps alert your family of a fire so that there is enough time to escape before burn injuries or smoke inhalation create a tragedy. Make sure that there are enough smoke detectors in your home. At minimum, there should be one for each floor and one smoke detector for each bedroom, but additional detectors are a good idea. Test the detectors and change the batteries twice a year.

3) Check the settings on your home water heater. Hot water from a tap can be hot enough to burn, and is a leading cause of burns to small children. Turning down the temperature of your water heater can help prevent these types of South Miami burn injuries and can even help you save money. When bathing a small child, another good precaution is to run the cold water first and then add hot water as needed.

4) Have a fire escape plan. A smoke detector alone is not enough. You also need a written fire escape plan that lets everyone in your family know exactly what to do in the event that the fire detector goes off.

5) Identify sources of steam in your home. Steam can easily cause second-degree burns, so identify kettles and other sources of steam. Find ways to minimize the risk of steam-related injuries. For example, ensure that the area above your stove is high enough that you can reach your stove area with plenty of clearance if you need to reach the back burners while cooking.

6) Have a safety kit at home. Have an emergency first aid kit at home, including non-stick adhesive pads which can keep an injury clean while it heals. Also ensuring that your family is to up to date with immunizations, as second degree burns require tetanus immunizations.

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Virginia Gardens burn injuries are a leading cause of serious Virginia Gardens injuries to young children under the age of five. Pediatricians and other experts note that in many cases these injuries are very preventable, and it is important to take all precautions against these types of injuries. Since young children have thinner skin than adults, they can sustain burn injuries in shorter amounts of time and with lower temperatures than adults. Young children who sustain serious burn injuries may also face a lifetime of scarring and other medical problems. According to pediatricians and other experts, there are many ways to help prevent childhood burn injuries:

1) Use extra vigilance with gasoline, lighters, cooking fats, matches, vapor, and hot liquids. Keep these well away from children.

2) Be cautious about hot water. Lower the temperature on the home’s water heater so that it never gets scalding or hot enough to burn.

3) Install smoke alarms and check batteries regularly.

4) Teach children about the dangers of burn injuries early. Children should know that lighters and matches are not toys and should be taught to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing ever catches fire. Practice the family fire drill and the stop, drop, and roll technique regularly so that children are well aware of these safety ideas.

5) Do not burn candles in the home if there are small children around. Candles are very interesting for young children and can cause devastating burn injuries.

6) When bathing a child, turn on the cold water first and slowly add hot water as needed.

7) Be cautious about heating systems. Vents, portable heaters, radiators, and baseboard heaters can all produce enough heat to seriously harm a child. Some heating systems, such as under-floor heating, naturally produce less heat. Another option is to buy barriers to keep children away from heaters.

8 ) When cooking, make sure that pot handles are turned to the center of the stove. When serving meals, make sure that there are no pot handles or plate edges near the edge of the table, where children can grab them. Avoid using tablecloths, as these can easily be pulled by a small child, pushing hot food off the table.

9) When drinking a hot beverage or food, avoid holding a child. A hot coffee can easily spill and cause a serious burn injury.

10) Take a defensive driving class. Virginia Gardens car accidents and traffic accidents are a common cause of serious burn injuries – not to mention a host of other serious Virginia Gardens personal injury claims. Improving driving skills and avoiding distracted driving can help prevent a Virginia Gardens traffic accident that can lead to these types of serious injuries.

If you or a loved one have sustained a serious Virginia Gardens burn injury, it is important to consult with a qualified Virginia Gardens attorney. In many cases, if the injury has been caused by someone’s recklessness or negligence, Florida law allows you to pursue a legal claim which allows you to seek compensation that can help you pay for the high cost of medical care, lost income, and other expenses arising from a serious injury.

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Burn injuries can be one of the most devastating and upsetting injuries to sustain. Whether a Coral Springs burn injury patient sustains their injuries in a Coral Springs car accident, household accident, or through some other incident, burns can have a long-term and distressing impact on the victim’s life for years to come.

One of the most unfortunate things about burn injuries is they are one of the most painful injuries to sustain. A severe burn can cause extreme discomfort, itching, and pain as the skin begins to heal itself. Many burn patients cannot easily resume activities or return to work due to the extreme pain of their injuries.

Another devastating thing about burn injuries is that they can be disfiguring. Burn injuries on the facial area, especially, can be very difficult for burn injury survivors to bear. These types of injuries can cause a patient to suffer depression and anger. Some patients have a hard time returning to normal social activities after their burn injuries, because they feel self-conscious about their burns.

Many people are surprised to find that burn injuries can in fact cause immobility or can prove fatal. However, this is the case. When a burn penetrates the top layers of skin, it can affect the muscles and even bones underneath, affecting the ability of the patient to recover fully and to recover full mobility. This type of burn is extremely painful and may take many months of therapy or rehabilitation before the burn injury victim can recover mobility. In cases where a burn penetrates the skin and causes damage to internal organs, the damage can be so severe that it can be fatal.

One of the most devastating things about severe burns is that in many cases Coral Springs burn injury victims are not given the support they need. Many people who sustain burns in Coral Springs truck accidents, for example, assume that car insurance will take care of medical costs and related costs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Medical insurance and even car insurance will often not cover the full costs of injuries. Burn injuries tend to require long-term treatment and most insurance carriers do not cover all the costs associated with long-term care. Another problem is that most burn injury survivors require reconstructive surgery in order to regain their confidence and rebuild their life. Unfortunately, many insurance carriers dub such costs as optional and do not cover them.

It often takes an experienced Coral Springs personal injury attorney to fight on behalf of burn victims’ rights and to ensure that a patient has the financial support they need. An experienced Coral Springs personal injury attorney can accurately calculate the total costs of an injury, can negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers, and can even launch a legal claim on behalf of victims. The aim of the attorney is to get the fairest settlement possible so that victims can have the financial resources they need to pay for the medical care they deserve.

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