Most people have been scalded by hot water or burned by a hot surface at least once in their lives. And though these injuries can certainly be painful, they are typically not serious. However, looking deeper into burn injury statistics reveals that a significant number of people suffer far more severe burns that leave them with long-term health issues.
What the Numbers Show
Throughout the world, an estimated 180,000 people die each year because of burns, with non-fatal burns being a leading cause of morbidity. In 2021 alone, 398,000 fire or burn-related injuries were reported in the United States, and an additional 252,000 injuries occurred from contact burns.
The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s (HCUP’s) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) states that there are, on average, 29,165 burn admissions every year throughout the country. Extensive burns that require surgical treatment and mechanical ventilation make up approximately 1,290 of all admissions, and the inpatient mortality rate for severe burns is 17.8%.
Age and Gender: Who Is Most at Risk of Suffering Burn Injuries?
Women make up 33.3% of hospital burn admissions, and they (along with children) represent the group of people most likely to succumb to their injuries.
That is, perhaps, one of the most interesting burn injury statistics, as it is a clear break from the usual pattern of men being more at risk of injury-related fatalities. The primary reason for women being more at risk is their (generally) greater exposure to cooking appliances, oil, and open fires. Burns are also the fifth most common cause of non-fatal childhood injuries.
Nevertheless, more men are still admitted for burns in large numbers every year, with the average being 66%.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Ohio
In Ohio, burns can occur for a variety of reasons, but many of them are the result of vehicle-related accidents. In a car accident, fuel can ignite, causing powerful fires and even explosions. In 2022, vehicle fires caused the death of 650 people nationwide.
Workplace accidents can also result in serious burns. These injuries typically occur among young male workers and can be the result of touching hot objects or live wires or experiencing gas explosions. Additionally, many industries require their employees to handle dangerous substances such as acids, oxidizers, and solvents, which can result in chemical burns.
One last common cause of burns includes scalding incidents and home fires. When boilers malfunction or fail to receive appropriate maintenance, water can become so hot it burns the skin. Stoves, radiators, and all other sources of heat can also cause serious burns, as can faulty electrical wiring.
The Treatment of Burn Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
The necessary treatment of these injuries will depend on the severity of the burn. If you have suffered a first- or second-degree burn, you may need to visit your doctor to receive a strong antibiotic cream. Second-degree burns, in particular, carry the risk of scars.
Third-degree burns, however, require extensive medical care, as they involve the most significant risks and can be life-threatening. Infections are common, and catching pneumonia is one of the biggest dangers. Electrical burns can cause heart problems and organ damage. There’s also the potential of suffering severe scarring that could disfigure you.
In any case, you will most likely need to receive fluids to prevent shock from setting in and then undergo skin graft surgery to help heal the damaged area. If you don’t have enough viable skin for the process, you may be given artificial or deceased donor grafts.
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between a Thermal and a Chemical Burn?
A thermal burn occurs as a result of coming into contact with a very hot source. Flames, hot metal, and steam can all result in thermal burns. The actual temperature of the source, as well as how long you remain in contact with it, will dictate the severity of the injury. A chemical burn, on the other hand, occurs when you come into contact with a corrosive substance, such as an acid, alkali, solvent, or strong detergent.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After Suffering a Burn?
The answer will depend on how the burn occurred. If it was the result of another party’s negligence or intentional conduct, then it may be possible to file a claim for compensation. It’s important to hire a burn injury lawyer to represent you. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you understand your rights, ensuring you have the best chance to recover a fair settlement or jury award,
What Damages Can I Claim After Suffering a Burn in an Accident?
When you file a personal injury claim, the damages you can pursue compensation for include economic and non-economic options. Economic damages address financial losses you sustained, such as medical expenses and missing income. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate you for subjective losses. These include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Is the First Thing I Should Do if I Suffer a Burn?
If you suffer a burn, the very first thing you need to do is to seek medical care, even if you’re not sure whether the injury is severe or not.
Speak With Experienced Burn Injury Attorneys
Suffering a burn can leave you in great pain and dealing with all manner of losses. And as burn injury statistics show, these incidents can happen to anyone at any time. Thankfully, if another party’s conduct led to your suffering, you may be able to file a claim to hold them responsible.
At The Moore Law Firm, our team of Ohio burn injury lawyers can help you understand your rights so that you know what your next steps should be. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of another person's negligence, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The simple fact is that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person's careless or reckless actions.