Observe National Burn Awareness Week By Doing These Things

February 4, 2019

Most people have experienced and recovered from minor burns, but when someone suffers from a major burn injury, the results can be devastating and incapacitating.

According to United States Vital Statistics, there are 450,000 emergency room visits due to burn injuries every year, and 45,000 of these people will be admitted to long-term care or treatment at burn centers. Severe burns cause problems like agonizing pain, damaged nerves, horrible scars, paralysis, emotional issues that ruin relationships and careers, and sometimes even death. Survivors may face long-term rehabilitation and medical intervention, permanent disfigurement, loss of physical ability, and even brain damage.

To educate the public and help prevent devastating burns from happening, the first full week of February has been established as National Burn Awareness Week.  The week is an opportunity for burn care organizations, burn survivor support groups, public safety professionals and injury prevention activists to increase awareness among the general population of the frequency and causes of burn injury in America and the advances in and sources of burn care available today.

If you or a loved one has been severely burned as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, defective products or improper regulation, you may be entitled to compensation. However, Pennsylvania personal injury law is complex and your case must be handled correctly or you may never receive the settlement you deserve.

The experienced and compassionate Pennsylvania burn injury lawyers at Wapner Newman can help you carefully assess the full extent of your damages and give you guidance as to how to proceed.  We offer a free consultation, so contact us online or call our offices today.

How Burns Happen

Burns most frequently happen when the body contacts the following sources of heat:

  • a flame (dry heat)
  • steam
  • hot liquids or objects such as oven tops, flatirons, or heaters
  • chemicals, chlorine or bleach
  • electrical circuits and live wires
  • radiation
  • the sun’s rays
  • friction created against the skin.

Burns may also occur from motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, and explosions.

When many burns are self-inflicted accidentally or through carelessness, burns may also be caused by unsafe conditions or defective products, such as electrical wires or appliances that short out, spark and cause fires, or landlords who neglect to install or maintain working smoke detectors.

Advice for Burn Prevention

According to the American Burn Association, about 47% of all home fires are caused by incidents involving cooking. The following are some of their suggestions to avoid cooking burns:

1) Take preventative steps including:

  • Cook when you are wide awake, and not drowsy from medications or alcohol.
  • Always wipe clean the stove, oven, and exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup.
  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
  • Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts near you EVERY time you cook.
  • Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove.
  • When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.
  • Allow food to rest before removing from the microwave.
  • When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check on your cooking.
  • After cooking, check the kitchen to make sure all burners and other appliances are turned off.

2) In case food catches on fire:

  • Cover the pan with a lid or cookie sheet and leave covered until the pan is cool.
  • Turn the heat off.
  • NEVER move a hot pot or carry it outside.
  • NEVER use water to put out a kitchen fire as it will cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire or scald you as it vaporizes.
  • If the fire is inside the oven or microwave, keep the door shut, turn it off, and keep the door closed until the oven is cool.
  • If the fire gets out of control — get out, stay out and call 9-1-1.

Getting Organizations Involved

If you belong to a center or organization, get it involved in Burn Awareness Week order to spread the word on preventing burns. The American Burn Associations has suggestions to observe the week and resources and templates on their website. https://ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-awareness-week/

Suggestions include:

  • Secure a Local/State Proclamation
  • Create Social Media Posts
  • Conduct a Press Conference with an announcement about your organization’s advancements, annual census, plans for the future, etc.
  • Conduct a Special Event
  • Recognize a Special Survivor .

Compensation for Burn Injuries

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. In burn injury lawsuits, our lawyers generally seek the following types of damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability
  • Emotional distress
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life.

Don’t delay. Contact Wapner Newman today to schedule your free initial consultation with a skilled burn injury lawyer.