Burns are among the most painful and disfiguring injuries that your child can suffer in California. These may require extensive surgery to correct and have long recovery times. Infants and toddlers are the most susceptible to burn injuries because their skin is much thinner than an adult's skin. Often, if a child is burned, the burn occurs because of an adult's reckless or negligent behavior.
If your child was burned, contact the child burn injury lawyers at Woods Williford, P.C. at (888) 340-2440.
Common Causes of Child Burns in California
Most child burn injuries are preventable. The most common causes are:
- contact with hot liquids, such as in a bathtub, a sink faucet, or a spilled hot beverage;
- chemical burns from touching or swallowing dangerous substances, such as drain cleaner, bleach, or batteries;
- direct contact with flames;
- direct contact with stove burners or ovens;
- electrical burns from chewing on cords or sticking objects in electric outlets; and
- sunburns.
Less common causes of burns in California are:
- motor vehicle accidents,
- fireworks accidents,
- gas explosions, and
- wildfires.
Severity of Burns
Burns are designated as first, second, third, or fourth, based on the severity of the injury.
First-degree burns only affect the top layer of skin. These burns have skin redness and minor swelling. The skin may peel as it heals. Healing occurs in three to six days.
Second-degree burns affect the top layer of ski and the layer below it. These burns have skin redness and blisters. Healing may take up to three weeks.
Third-degree burns affect all the skin layers and underlying tissue. The appearance of these burns varies from charred black to waxy white. These burns may cause nerve damage and may require skin grafts to heal.
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. These burns display the same as third-degree burns, but affect the victim's bones and ligaments in addition to all the skin layers.
Consequences of Child Burn Injuries
Burn injuries hurt your child physically and emotionally. Burns can have several secondary complications that last for your child's lifetime, including disfigurement, joint issues, and reduced mobility. Your child may be facing:
- extensive rehabilitation,
- reconstructive surgery, and
- psychological counseling.
The above expenses add up quickly, and your health insurance may not cover everything.
Contact a child burn injury attorney from Woods Williford, P.C., as soon after the accident as possible. Your attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather reports from investigating agencies, and file a lawsuit against the negligent party while you help your child heal.
Potential remedies include:
- compensation for medical bills,
- future medical treatment,
- out-of-pocket expenses,
- loss of earning capacity, and
- pain and suffering.
Contact a California Child Burn Injury Attorney
If your child was burned in California, contact the experienced child injury lawyers at Woods Williford, P.C. Our dedicated team understands that your child is facing a long recovery and they will fight for just compensation for your child's injuries.
Call us today at (888) 340-2440 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.