Burn injuries are some of the most painful injuries to endure. Victims experience extreme physical pain in addition to emotional trauma stemming from their experience. In addition, there is often physical scarring that cosmetic surgery cannot correct. The majority of burn injuries affect the skin (epidermal tissue and dermis). In some cases, the burn can injure tissue, muscle, bone and blood vessels.
According to the American Burn Association (ABA), approximately 450,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries each year in the United States. In addition, about 3,500 people die every year in fires and fire-related injuries. The fatalities include deaths from house fires, car crashes, airplane crashes, electrocutions and burns from chemicals and liquids. About 75 percent of the victims die at the scene or on the way to the hospital.
There are more and more people admitted to burn centers every year, according to the ABA. Burn centers developed as doctors recognized the needs of burn patients and their treatment. Burn centers across the United States admit about 200 patients every year.
Where do the majority of fires occur? Sixty-six percent of fires occur in the home, and 10 percent occur on the job.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury attorneys