Burn injuries are a severe issue in California and around the world. According to data from the World Health Organization, approximately 180,000 people die each year from burns. In 2018, there were more than 410,000 burn injuries in the United States with around 40,000 of those resulting in hospitalizations.
You can suffer a burn anywhere, such as at work, in your home or while driving a car. Plus, there are a lot of different types of burns. Fire injuries, electrical burns, scalding injuries and chemical burns are all serious. Here are some of the most common causes of burns.
1. Defective products
Any product that has flaws may burn you. Some examples include:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Coffeemakers
- Water heaters
Almost any type of machine or appliance that is defective may cause you to get seriously hurt.
2. Motor vehicle accidents
Vehicles that use gasoline are especially at risk of igniting a fire. If you get into an accident with a car, motorcycle, bus or commercial truck, it may burst into flames and burn you.
3. Structural fires
Some structures that are prone to catching fire are hotels and apartments. It can be difficult to escape these fires due to the layout of these buildings and the number of occupants.
4. Gas explosions
Gas pipes, propane tanks, gas water heaters and gas furnaces are all safety concerns. These pipelines and tanks may result in serious injuries if they catch fire. This can occur at worksites, in private homes and in public areas.
No matter how burns occur, they can result in concerning injuries. Not only can burns be damaging on their own, but they often come with other complications. If you suffer a burn, you may experience infections, low blood volume, breathing problems, scarring and joint problems. No matter how you sustain a burn injury, you should always explore your legal options because you may be able to get compensation.
