Burn Injury Lawyer Cleveland

40,000 people are hospitalized in the United States annually from burn injuries, and almost 4,000 of these burn victims die. Burn survivors often face a long and painful road to recovery and usually suffer permanent damage and or severe complications.

If you suffered a burn injury, you need to seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent disfigurement, serious infection, or even death.

Burn Injuries are Categorized by Degree and Severity:

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns designate the mildest type of burn injury, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. These burns are often characterized by redness, pain, and mild swelling. The affected skin may appear dry and may be sensitive to the touch. First-degree burns typically heal within several days and typically do not result in scarring.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns, and affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, called the dermis. These burns can cause redness, blistering, intense pain, swelling, and a moist or wet appearance. The blisters that form may rupture, exposing the raw, tender tissue underneath. Healing time for second-degree burns can range from a few weeks to several months, and in some cases, may leave permanent scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe form of burn injury, involving all layers of the skin, including the fat, muscle, and potentially the bone. The skin may appear charred or white, and the damage is extensive enough to destroy nerve endings. This makes the burns less painful initially when compared to lesser degree burns. However, the surrounding areas may have second-degree burns that cause immense pain.

Suffering a burn injury can be incredibly painful, and require extensive medical intervention. As a Cleveland burn injury lawyer, I will do whatever I can to obtain compensation to cover your medical expenses. lost wages, pain and suffering now and in the future. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Burn Injuries Occur for a Number of Reasons, but Burns That Result in Personal Injury Claims are Often the Result of the Following Circumstances:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Ruptured Fuel Tank Fire

In a head-on collision between two vehicles, the impact can cause the fuel tank of one or both vehicles to rupture. Sparks from the collision can ignite the spilled fuel, resulting in a devastating fire that may engulf both cars and result in severe burns of the vehicle occupants.

Power Lines and Electrical Burns

If a car or truck collides with a utility pole, live electrical wires can be severed and fall onto the vehicle. The electrical wires may then spark a fire on the car’s body, leaving the vehicle occupants trapped. The heat of the fire can cause severe second and third-degree burns and even death.

Tanker Truck Explosion

A collision between a tanker truck carrying flammable liquid and other vehicles can result in a fiery explosion. The violent impact and fiery explosion, often results in severe burns to the drivers and passengers involved in the collision.

Overheated Airbag Burn Injuries

In a car accident, the airbag may deploy with excessive force, leading to an overheated airbag. The driver and passenger may sustain burns upon direct contact with the scorching airbag surface.

Gasoline Spill in Motorcycle Crash

A collision between a motorcycle and a car or truck may cause gasoline to spill on the road surface. The spilled fuel can ignite and result in a blazing inferno, severely burning the motorcyclist and the occupants of the vehicle involved in the crash.

With more than 40 years of experience as one of Cleveland’s top burn injury attorneys, I have worked with clients who have suffered devastating burn injuries from violent car crashes. The recovery process can be long, painful and very expensive. If you or someone you know is a victim of a burn injury because of a accident, you need to call me today.

Medical Treatment

Electrical Malfunction

During a medical procedure, an electrical device such as an electrocautery tool or diathermy machine may experience a malfunction, leading to an unexpected surge in electrical current. This surge can cause burns to the patient’s skin or internal tissues at the site of application.

Laser or Light Treatment Errors

Improper use of medical lasers or intense light treatments, such as in dermatological procedures, can result in severe burns. If the laser power, duration, or cooling measures are not correctly calibrated, the intense energy may cause tissue damage and burns.

Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy for cancer treatment, if the radiation dosage is miscalculated or if the treatment is delivered to the wrong area, it can cause severe burns to healthy tissues surrounding the targeted tumor.

Hot Surface Contact

Medical equipment, such as surgical tools, heating pads, or warming blankets, may become overheated due to malfunction or improper use. Direct contact with these hot surfaces during medical procedures can cause severe burns to the patient’s skin.

Chemical Exposure

Improper handling or leakage of chemical agents used in medical treatments, such as in chemical peels or wound care, can lead to chemical burns. These burns may occur when the chemicals come into contact with the patient’s skin or sensitive mucous membranes.

Cryotherapy Errors

In cryotherapy, extremely cold temperatures are used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissues. Inadequate insulation or prolonged exposure to the extreme cold can lead to frostbite-like burns and tissue damage.

Scalding from Irrigation Fluids

During surgical procedures or wound care, irrigating fluids, such as hot water or caustic solutions, can accidentally spill or be used at elevated temperatures. This can cause scalding burns to the patient’s skin or underlying tissues.

Adhesive Heating Errors

Some medical adhesives used for wound closure or during certain procedures require heating before application. If the adhesive is overheated or left on the skin for too long, it can cause burns to the treated area.

Radiofrequency Ablation Complications

In procedures like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) that are used to treat certain medical conditions, thermal energy is applied to target tissues. If the RFA equipment is misused or malfunctions, it can lead to unintended and severe burns in surrounding tissues.

Medication Reaction

Rarely, some medications or medical substances can cause localized skin burns due to allergic reactions, chemical interactions, or hypersensitivity.

It is so important for medical professionals to remain diligent during their procedures. As a Cleveland burn injury attorney, I have a long history of helping injury victims in medical malpractice cases, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Workplace

1. Contact with Hot Surfaces: Contact with hot surfaces, or equipment, such as industrial ovens, furnaces, or steam pipes, can cause severe burns to the skin.

2. Chemical Spills or Splash: Spilling or splashing corrosive chemicals, acids, or hot liquids during industrial processes can result in severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes.

3. Electrical Accidents: Electrical malfunctions, exposed wires, or improper handling of electrical equipment can lead to electrical burns when a person comes into contact with live electrical currents.

4. Arc Flash or Welding Accidents: Inadequate personal protective equipment during welding or electrical work can expose workers to arc flashes, intense bursts of heat and light, causing severe burns.

5. Flammable Liquids or Gasoline Ignition: Improper storage, handling, or transportation of flammable liquids or gasoline can lead to explosions and fires, causing severe burns to workers in the vicinity.

6. Steam or Hot Liquid Burns: Accidents involving pressurized systems or steam lines can lead to steam or hot liquid releases, causing severe burns to workers who are exposed to the high-temperature substances.

7. Explosions or Industrial Fires: Explosions in industrial settings, such as chemical plants or oil refineries, may lead to fire outbreaks causing severe burns to workers caught in the blast or engulfed in flames.

8. Chemical Reaction Accidents: Incorrect mixing or handling of chemicals can trigger unexpected reactions, possibly causing explosions or fires that cause severe burns to workers nearby.

9. Flash Fires: Rapid ignition and spreading of flammable materials, such as dust, gas, or vapors, can result in flash fires causing severe burns to workers in the vicinity.

10. Radiant Heat Exposure: Workers in close proximity to high-temperature processes, like foundries or glass manufacturing, may be exposed to intense radiant heat, leading to severe burns.

Product Liability

1. Defective Appliances or Electronics: Malfunctioning appliances or electronics, such as faulty irons, toasters, or hair straighteners, can overheat or cause electrical fires. This may lead to severe burns to users or nearby individuals.

2. Improperly Labeled or Designed Chemical Products: Products like cleaning agents, paints, or automotive chemicals with inadequate warnings or faulty designs may cause chemical burns.

3. Flammable Clothing or Fabrics: Clothing made with flammable fabrics or lacking appropriate flame-resistant treatments can easily catch fire and cause severe burns to wearers during accidental fires or exposure to heat sources.

4. Malfunctioning Heating Devices: Defective space heaters, electric blankets, or hot water bottles can cause fires, electrical shocks, or hot liquid spills.

5. Faulty Fireworks or Pyrotechnics: Explosive products, such as defective fireworks or pyrotechnics, can lead to unexpected explosions or fires.

6. Scalding Hot Water Systems: Water heaters or temperature regulators that malfunction and dispense scalding hot water can cause severe burns to individuals using showers, sinks, or faucets.

7. Flawed Industrial Equipment: Defective industrial machinery, boilers, or pressurized vessels may experience catastrophic failures. Sometimes this can lead to steam releases or explosions that cause burns to workers or operators.

8. Incorrectly Labeled Consumer Products: Consumer products lacking proper warnings or instructions, such as hot beverages without caution labels, can scald consumers.

9. Unsafe Personal Care Products: Products like improperly formulated skin creams, hair removal products, or hair dyes may cause chemical burns or adverse reactions leading to severe skin injuries.

10. Electric Vehicle Battery Fires: In some cases of electric vehicle accidents or charging incidents, faulty battery systems or thermal management issues can lead to severe fires and burns.

Consumers should always be safe when purchasing. I want to make sure that people in Cleveland, Ohio do not have to worry about burns when buying items they need. Making sure companies and any other negligent parties are held accountable for their actions will help to decrease the occurrences of these devastating injuries.

Treatments For First Degree/Minor Burns

1. Cool Water Soaks: Soaking the affected area in cool (not cold) water can help reduce pain, inflammation, and heat from the burn. It’s a simple and inexpensive treatment that can be done at home.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation caused by the burn.

3. Topical Burn Ointments or Gels: Applying over-the-counter burn ointments or gels containing ingredients like aloe or lidocaine can soothe the burned area and promote healing. These products can be purchased at drugstores or online.

4. Non-Stick Dressings: Applying non-stick dressings like sterile gauze or hydrogel pads can protect the burn from friction and keep it clean while it heals.

5. Keep the Burn Clean and Moisturized: Keep the burn clean with mild soap and water, and apply a gentle moisturizer to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Treatments For Second Degree Burns

1. Cool Water Compresses: Applying cool water compresses or using a cool water soak can help alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and prevent further tissue damage in second-degree burns. It’s a simple and immediate treatment that can be done at home or in a medical setting.

2. Prescription Pain Medications: For more severe pain management, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opioids or stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

3. Antibiotic Creams or Ointments: To prevent infection, you may prescribed prescription antibiotic creams or ointments to apply to the second-degree burns.

4. Silver Sulfadiazine Dressings: Silver sulfadiazine is a topical cream used to treat second-degree burns, and it helps to prevent infection and promote healing.

5. Non-Stick Wound Dressings: Non-stick dressings like hydrogel pads or sterile gauze can protect the burn and promote healing while minimizing pain during dressing changes.

Treatments For Third Degree Burns

1. Surgical Debridement: Surgical debridement involves the removal of dead tissue and debris from the burn wound to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. This is a complex medical procedure that requires skilled healthcare professionals and may involve operating room costs, anesthesia fees, and medical supplies, making it more expensive than basic wound care.

2. Skin Grafting: Skin grafting is a surgical procedure where healthy skin from one part of the body (donor site) is transplanted onto the burn wound to aid in healing. This is a specialized procedure that requires careful planning and post-operative care.

3. Pain Management: Third-degree burns are extremely painful, and strong prescription pain medications, such as opioids, may be necessary for effective pain management.

4. Infection Prevention: Preventing infection is crucial in third-degree burn care, and healthcare providers may prescribe strong antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents.

5. Wound Dressings and Bandages: Specialized dressings like synthetic dressings or biological dressings may be used to cover and protect third-degree burn wounds.

Severe burn injuries must be treated immediately to minimize permanent disfigurement. Treatment for third degree burns is not only long-term, but can be very costly. This is why it is important to file an injury claim so you can recover compensation to offset medical costs. Financial compensation can also help with mental anguish and suffering, and your other long-term needs.

If you suffered burn injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you need to call me immediately for a free consultation to discuss your claim. I will meet you any time or place that is convenient for you. As your personal injury lawyer, you can rest assured I will do whatever I can to see that you are properly compensated for your horrific injuries.

Burn injuries have long-lasting consequences that can affect your ability to lead a normal life. As your injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®