<![CDATA[San Diego burn injury lawyer - Walton Law Firm]]> https://www.northcountyinjurylawyers.com/blog/tags/san-diego-burn-injury-lawyer/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:17:49 GMT en-us <![CDATA[Pediatric Burn Injuries: What to Know]]> https://www.northcountyinjurylawyers.com/blog/pediatric-burn-injuries-what-to-know/ https://www.northcountyinjurylawyers.com/blog/pediatric-burn-injuries-what-to-know/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:55:38 GMT Children in Encinitas can suffer injuries from encounters with consumer products and other objects that adults may know to avoid. Depending upon the circumstances of a burn injury, the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the product could be liable. In addition, other parties such as daycare centers and schools may also be liable if they…

]]> Children in Encinitas can suffer injuries from encounters with consumer products and other objects that adults may know to avoid. Depending upon the circumstances of a burn injury, the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the product could be liable. In addition, other parties such as daycare centers and schools may also be liable if they do not take proper precautions and develop safety procedures to ensure that young children are not burned while under their care. Whether you are a parent or caregiver, you may be wondering how pediatric burn injuries tend to happen and what else you should know. Our Encinitas personal injury attorneys can provide you with more information.

Learning More About Pediatric Burn Injuries

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, unintentional injuries more broadly are the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14, and burn injuries are currently the “fifth most common cause of accidental death in children.” Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that about 75% of all scald-related burns in children are preventable injuries, and young children and toddlers are those who are most likely to suffer these types of burns.

While there are many different types of burn injuries that can affect adults (ranging from scald injuries to electrical injuries), kids are most often injured from scald burns and contact burns, and scald burns are the most common, accounting for about 65% of all burns in young kids. At the same time, it is important to remember that children can also be injured by flame burns in house fires and motor vehicle collisions.

Liability for Child Burns

Who is liable when a child suffers a burn injury? The answer will depend on the circumstances, but potentially liable parties may include:

  • Daycare workers;
  • Schools or daycare centers;
  • Makers or retailers of defective products;
  • Babysitters or other caregivers; and
  • Negligent motor vehicle operators when burns occur in traffic collisions.

Common Causes of Pediatric Burns

What are the most common causes of burn injuries in children, including causes of scald burns? Johns Hopkins Medicine cites the following as risk factors for scald burns, as well as flame or contact burns:

  • Tipped kitchen liquids;
  • Encounters with hot kitchen appliances or pots and pans;
  • Bathtub scalds;
  • Playing with matches;
  • Being left unattended near a lit fireplace or barbecue pit;
  • Trash fires;
  • Use of cigarette lighters; and
  • Playing with fireworks.

A recent study out of the University of Chicago suggested that hot running water in bathtubs might actually be the leading cause of serious and even deadly scald burns among infants. Indeed, that study suggested that approximately 95% of all pediatric burn injuries impacting infants and other children under the age of three were caused by scalding running water in the bathtub or shower. Water that might not seem too hot for an adult can be dangerous for young children, as the study points out, given that they have “thinner skin” than older children and adults.

Contact an Encinitas Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or your child suffered a burn injury and you believe another party could be liable, it is important to speak with an Encinitas burn injury lawyer about your case. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information.

See Related Blog Posts: Car Accidents and Older Drivers in Vista: What Should You Know? Recent Case Highlights Burn Injury Risks at Encinitas Schools

]]> <![CDATA[Firefighter Suffers Burn Injuries in Roof Collapse]]> https://www.northcountyinjurylawyers.com/blog/firefighter-suffers-burn-injuries-in-roof-collapse/ https://www.northcountyinjurylawyers.com/blog/firefighter-suffers-burn-injuries-in-roof-collapse/ Mon, 04 May 2015 16:38:46 GMT A Fresno firefighter, Pete Dern, 49, recently suffered life-threatening burn injuries after being involved in a dangerous roof collapse, according to a recent article in the Fresno Bee. While his burns are treatable, the risk of infection associated with these types of injuries makes the firefighter’s condition particularly serious. How did the burn injuries occur?…

]]> A Fresno firefighter, Pete Dern, 49, recently suffered life-threatening burn injuries after being involved in a dangerous roof collapse, according to a recent article in the Fresno Bee. While his burns are treatable, the risk of infection associated with these types of injuries makes the firefighter’s condition particularly serious. How did the burn injuries occur? And how can we help to prevent severe and fatal burn injuries in the future?

2589289385_32f1022a2b

Intensive Treatment for Severe Burns

According to the article, Dern had been “leading several firefighters across a roof to provide ventilation for the safety of attack crews when the roof collapsed” on a house in flames. The firefighter fell through the roof of the garage. His fellow firefighters rescued him within minutes, which “was critical to his survival,” according to Dr. William Dominic, director of the Leon S. Peters Burn Center in Fresno, where Dern currently is receiving care.

The burn center actually was created back in 1974 in response to another firefighter’s burn injuries. At that time, burn centers “were a new idea,” and “there were only a few nationwide.” Burn centers across the country, including in Fresno, have special equipment to “treat smoke inhalation and hard-to-heal wounds.”

At the time the article was written, Dern remained in “stable but very serious condition,” reported the attending physician. The firefighter sustained inhalation injuries in addition to the second- and third-degree burns across approximately 65 percent of his body. Dern was placed on a ventilator in order to help him breathe, and he will be facing numerous surgeries. According to Dr. Dominic, “this could be a very prolonged situation,” with many necessary surgeries to “remove dead tissue and do temporary skin grafts.”

Dern’s protective gear, in addition to the other firefighters’ quick response time, helped to save his life. To be sure, the firefighter’s clothing significantly reduced the burns to his body. Without it, his doctor explained, “it’s highly unlikely he would have been alive long enough for someone to help him out.” After the accident occurred, investigators from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) reported to the scene in Fresno “to investigate the work injury.” The Fresno Fire Chief also plans to hire independent investigators to look closely at the causes of the accident that caused Dern’s severe burn injuries.

Learning More About Burn Injuries

What do you need to know about burn injuries? According to the American Burn Association, the following facts and figures are important to keep in mind if we’re going to take preventive measures when it comes to serious burns:

  • Each year, about 450,000 patients receive medical treatment for burn injuries.
  • About 40,000 people require hospitalization for burn injuries, of which around 30,000 are treated at burn centers.
  • On average, approximately 3,400 patients suffer fatal injuries from fires, burns, and/or smoke inhalation. More than 2,500 result from residential fires, while other causes include automobile crash fires, contact with electricity, and contact with hot objects or liquids.
  • More men than women tend to suffer serious burn injuries. Of those reported, about 70 percent of the patients were men, while about 30 percent were women.
  • In general, burn injuries have a high survival rate at more than 95 percent. However, surviving a serious burn injury can still result in lifelong disabilities and disfigurement.

If you or someone you love sustained serious burn injuries, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation. Don’t hesitate to contact the Walton Law Firm to discuss your case with a dedicated San Diego burn injury attorney.

Photo Credit: Eric E Johnson via Compfight cc See Related Blog Posts: Hot Air Balloon Accident Leave Four Injured Severe Burn Injury in Lakeside Fire

]]>