Burns from Hot Liquids

Burns can become serious injuries that lead to many complications, especially burns caused by hot liquids. Burn victims endure much pain and can face many challenges. If their burn was the result of another party’s negligence, they are entitled to pursue compensation.

At some point in their life, everyone will experience a minor burn from hot liquids. Maybe it’s from sipping hot coffee or washing dishes with hot water. Others may experience more severe burns from the same situations or others. Burns from hot liquids are known as scalds. According to the Burn Foundation, over 500,000 scald burns happen in the U.S. each year. Children under the age of five and adults over the age of 65 are at the most risk for scalds. Sometimes, these scalding injuries arise from negligence. When this happens, burn victims deserve compensation for their injuries. A skilled Round Rock personal injury lawyer can help them on their journey to seek such compensation.

What are Scalds?

Scalding burns can cause pain and damage the skin from the moist heat or vapors. Scalds destroy affected tissues and cells. Those who suffer scalds might even go into shock from the heat of the burn, depending upon the surface area of the burn and its location. In some situations, these burns can be life-threatening.

The best treatment for scalds is prevention, and many of these burns are preventable. As with other dangerous substances, hot liquids demand an extra level of attention, especially when children are around. To help prevent scalds and further injury:

  • Test the water temperature with your hand or elbow before placing a child in the bathtub
  • Supervise young children around sinks and faucets 
  • Monitor water heater temperature; it shouldn’t exceed 125°F
  • Keep hot liquids out of reach of any children who could be in the environment
  • Boil water and cook on the burner furthest from the edge

Suppose you or your child suffer a scald burn that another person or party could have prevented. In that case, it’s time to meet with an experienced Round Rock personal injury attorney about your options. 

How Negligence Can Cause Scalds

Scalds can happen in nearly any environment. Severe scalding injuries have occurred in restaurants, hospitals, construction sites, daycare centers, hotels, grocery stores, homes, gyms, salons, and many other places. Suppose that by taking some extra steps, another party could have prevented the burn. In that case, they are likely liable for the damages they cause. For example, if a daycare worker leaves hot water running in the bathroom and a child sticks their hand under it, or if a restaurant worker spills hot coffee on a patron, the injured person or their family could recover compensation from the negligent party. 

Did you Suffer a Scald? Contact a Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Just like other burns, scald injuries can lead to serious complications. They often entail severe pain and infection, as well as scarring and disfigurement. To find out if you might have a legal claim after a scald burn, meet with a Round Rock personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Receive a complimentary consultation at the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC. Reach out to us at (512) 766-4529 or complete our online contact form today.