As a parent, there are few things more terrifying than watching your child get hurt. No matter how resilient your child may be, there’s little that can protect them from the physical and emotional trauma of burn injuries.
According to the World Health Organization, burns are the fifth most common cause of non-fatal childhood injuries. Because they may result in lasting scars, disabilities and chronic pain, it’s important to recover financial compensation whenever possible. If your child was burned as a result of negligence—such as a distracted daycare provider or defective product—the Law Offices of Tim Misny can review your case.
How much do childhood burn injuries cost?
Depending on the severity of the injury, medical costs can vary dramatically. This 2012 study found that “[p]atients had a mean of 1.9 hospitalizations over 3 to 4 years. The mean total cost of hospitalization was $83,535 per patient, and the median total cost was $16,331 in 2006 dollars.” Since healthcare costs and inflation have soared since 2012, the true cost is likely much higher today. A similar 2021 study in British Columbia found that the total “cost of child burns in BC in 2016 totaled $2,711,255.01 [CAD, or $2,129,464.15 USD].”
Who is to blame when a child gets burned?
If your child was burned while under someone else’s supervision or by a defective product, you may be able to recover compensation—even if your child caused their own burns.
Generally, children do not have the wisdom or experience that comes with age. When they’re young, they simply can’t comprehend the consequences of touching a hot stove or spilling a pot of boiling water. If you send your child to a care provider, such as a daycare, preschool or babysitter, the adults in charge assume a duty of care. They are legally obligated to take reasonable precautions to prevent injury. Should they fail in that duty, you may have a case.
Children may also be burned by defective products, through no fault of their care provider. When manufacturers create products for children, they need to be reasonably safe for their intended use. The Law Offices of Tim Misny can review your claim and let you know whether you’re likely to succeed in a products liability case.
Seeing your child injured is frightening. There’s no reason you should have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Document your child’s injuries, seek medical help and call our personal injury law firm today.
Get help from a seasoned Ohio personal injury attorney
When your child is injured in someone else’s care, it’s traumatic for everyone involved. You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of their burn injuries on your own. If you have a case, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me at 877.483.2298, and we’ll discuss which legal options are right for you.
