At the Duncan Law Group, our Chicago burn injury attorneys most commonly see these cases in the summer. According to research, summer vacation is the top season for burn injuries – especially ones that involve children. Experts believe that school breaks are on reason for the increase in injuries. Since children aren’t at school, they’re more likely to suffer injuries at home. In fact, injuries from grills are one of the most common summer accidents in the United States.
Many of these accidents occur when young children place their hands against hot surfaces, such as cooking grills. Open fires, such as campfires, are source of danger too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that fire-related injuries are the third most common cause of at-home deaths in the United States. One study even found that – every 30 minutes – an average of one fire-related injury occurs in the U.S.
2013 Burn Injury Statistics
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- Hospitals admitted 40,000 people for burn injuries this year
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- 3,400 people died from fire, burn and smoke injuries in 2013
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- 450,000 victim required medical attention after a burn injury
Tips to Avoid Grill & Fire Injuries
Burn injuries are preventable. This summer, take special care to protect your children from a serious burn injury by teaching them basic safety about grills, fire pits, campfires, and hot surfaces. As a rule, do not allow children near an open flame, such as a campfire or fire pit. Depending on the size of the fire, some experts recommend keeping a ten-foot perimeter around the flame.
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- Remove dead grass and leaves around the fire area
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- Avoid using a grill fire near bushes, trees, or foliage
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- Do not start a campfire with lighter fluid or gasoline
If you or someone you love suffers a burn injury, immediately seek medical attention. You can treat minor burns at home, but moderate and severe injuries require professional medical help. Then, contact a personal injury attorney from Duncan Law Group for a free consultation to explore your legal options.