Fire, Electrical, Explosion, Flammable Clothing, Thermal, Boating & Car Accident & Chemical Burn

The National Institute of Health reports that more than 2 million people in the United States require treatment for burns each year and 3,000 to 4,000 of those treated die from severe burns. Those especially vulnerable to burn related deaths are older people and young children. The attorneys at the law firm of Brais Law Firm with offices in Miami, Florida realize a lawyer’s job is to help clients on their road to recovery. The most common causes of burns are:

Fire

Shipboard and land-based fires occur thousands of times a year. Fires often times cause severe burns as well as smoke inhalation leading to death or serious injury. Shipboard fires are particularly dangerous because while at sea there is simply nowhere to go and responders are the crew themselves.

Electrical Burn

These injuries are caused by exposure to high voltage electricity. For those working in the electrical field, these job dangers are ever present. The burn injuries result from electric current flowing through the body and causing a severe exit wound. It is possible that high voltage will cause the heart to stop beating and result in death.

Workplace Explosion

Burns from workplace explosions are caused by a variety of factors. A faulty gas line, an errant pipe fitting, an improperly stored combustible material, or an open flame may all contribute to an unexpected explosion. Typically, such explosions occur in a workplace that does not have sufficient safe guards against such explosions occurring.

Flammable Clothing

These types of burns are extremely dangerous because fire may spread quickly through the clothing and create severe burns all over the body. Clothing sold in the United States must comply with the Flammable Fabrics Act.

Thermal Burn

Thermal sources cause burns when a person is exposed to or comes into contact with them. These sources include steam, flames, flash, hot surfaces and hot liquids.

Boating and Car Accident

Such accidents may result in fires, putting the people involved in great danger. Such accidents may be caused by gas explosions, contact with overheated objects or exposed electrical wires.

Chemical Burn

Sources or chemical burns include acids and strong bases such as alkaloids. Dangerous chemicals can often be aboard cargo vessels. Very strong chemicals will dissolve skin on contact and are difficult to wash off after exposure.

Classification of Burns

Burns are classified in an escalating scale of severity. First degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and will usually heal in a few days. Second degree burns are those burns were the first layer of skin is burned through, and second layer is affected but not completely destroyed. Third degree burns damage all layers of the skin, and sometimes the blood vessels and muscles as well, often leaving the skin charred black with white patches. These types of burns can be very painful, although, in severe cases, the burn itself can kill the nerve endings. Depending on the severity of the burn, the muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and respiratory system may be damaged, harming the body’s fluid/electrolyte balance, body temperature, joint function, and dexterity. Burn injuries almost always leave visible scarring, which can cause a great emotional and psychological burden. The attorneys at the law firm of Brais Law Firm have the experience to protect your rights, the compassion to serve your needs, and the skill to obtain the compensation you deserve. To reach our lawyers you may click email the firm, call 800-499-0551 from within the U.S., Skype BraisLaw worldwide or click Contact Us to select and complete a form for a free evaluation of your case.

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