Burn Injury Risks to Avoid This Summer

Summer is that time of the year when most of us like to capitalize on the warmer weather as well as longer daylight hours and spend time at family gatherings, taking vacations, road trips, and lounging by the pool. While summer can be an absolutely memorable time of the year, it also tends to be a period when many burn accident injuries occur. These types of injuries typically cause the victims a great amount of pain and the expense of its treatment can quickly add up to be a financial strain for the victim and his or her family.

Here is a look at some of the most common sources of summertime burn injuries:

• Barbecue grills: Barbecue grills are responsible for about 10 deaths, 100 injuries and $37 million in property loss each year as a result of fires in residential properties. These numbers are at their highest between the months of May and August, which is also peak grilling time. No matter you are using gas grills or charcoal grills, it is important to take all possible safety precautions. Children should not be allowed near the grill. Supervision is important at all times. Barbecue grills should never be left unattended.
• Fire pits: Roasting marshmallows and having fires on the beach is a cherished tradition up and down the California coast. Fire pits – whether on the beach, at home, at a hotel or resort — may be designed to burn wood, gas or charcoal. Regardless of how they are designed, an open fire presents the hazard of a burn injury. Several outdoor fire pits have even been recalled because of poor design or manufacturing defects.
• Pool chemicals: Swimming pool water is usually treated with a number of caustic chemicals including chlorine, which can cause chemical burns if they come in contact with the skin. It is important for property owners and property managers, whether they are homeowners, hotel owners or operators of water parks, to make sure that the chemicals are used at the right levels to treat swimming pools.
• Fireworks: Americans like to enjoy fireworks shows and fireworks at home during the Independence Day holiday. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 67 percent of fireworks injuries in the year 2014 occurred between June 20 and July 20. Also seven out of 11 people who died in 10 firework-related accidents last year were killed by explosions, while four victims died in house fires started by fireworks. The most common type of injuries caused by fireworks are burn injuries.

Liability Issues

If you have suffered burn injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be eligible to receive compensation for damages including, but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of skin graft and cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation, permanent injuries such as scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering and emotional distress.