Pediatric Burn Injuries: What to Know

Children in Encinitas can suffer injuries from encounters with consumer products and other objects that adults may know to avoid. Depending upon the circumstances of a burn injury, the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the product could be liable. In addition, other parties such as daycare centers and schools may also be liable if they do not take proper precautions and develop safety procedures to ensure that young children are not burned while under their care. Whether you are a parent or caregiver, you may be wondering how pediatric burn injuries tend to happen and what else you should know. Our Encinitas personal injury attorneys can provide you with more information.

Learning More About Pediatric Burn Injuries

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, unintentional injuries more broadly are the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14, and burn injuries are currently the “fifth most common cause of accidental death in children.” Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that about 75% of all scald-related burns in children are preventable injuries, and young children and toddlers are those who are most likely to suffer these types of burns.

While there are many different types of burn injuries that can affect adults (ranging from scald injuries to electrical injuries), kids are most often injured from scald burns and contact burns, and scald burns are the most common, accounting for about 65% of all burns in young kids. At the same time, it is important to remember that children can also be injured by flame burns in house fires and motor vehicle collisions.

Liability for Child Burns

Who is liable when a child suffers a burn injury? The answer will depend on the circumstances, but potentially liable parties may include:

• Daycare workers;
• Schools or daycare centers;
• Makers or retailers of defective products;
• Babysitters or other caregivers; and
• Negligent motor vehicle operators when burns occur in traffic collisions.

Common Causes of Pediatric Burns

What are the most common causes of burn injuries in children, including causes of scald burns? Johns Hopkins Medicine cites the following as risk factors for scald burns, as well as flame or contact burns:

• Tipped kitchen liquids;
• Encounters with hot kitchen appliances or pots and pans;
• Bathtub scalds;
• Playing with matches;
• Being left unattended near a lit fireplace or barbecue pit;
• Trash fires;
• Use of cigarette lighters; and
• Playing with fireworks.

A recent study out of the University of Chicago suggested that hot running water in bathtubs might actually be the leading cause of serious and even deadly scald burns among infants. Indeed, that study suggested that approximately 95% of all pediatric burn injuries impacting infants and other children under the age of three were caused by scalding running water in the bathtub or shower. Water that might not seem too hot for an adult can be dangerous for young children, as the study points out, given that they have “thinner skin” than older children and adults.

Contact an Encinitas Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or your child suffered a burn injury and you believe another party could be liable, it is important to speak with an Encinitas burn injury lawyer about your case. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information.

See Related Blog Posts: Car Accidents and Older Drivers in Vista: What Should You Know? Recent Case Highlights Burn Injury Risks at Encinitas Schools