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Child burn injuries can result in extreme pain, emotional trauma, and permanent disabilities. As a parent, your sole concern is for the health and wellbeing of your child. However, your child may be entitled to compensation if the burn injury was caused by negligence or wrongdoing. If you suspect another party’s negligence caused your child’s burn injury, contact our California personal injury attorneys to discuss the matter further.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries For Children
Burn injuries are the fifth most common cause of non-fatal injuries to children. Many of the causes of child burn injuries are avoidable. Common causes of burn injuries include:
- Contact and thermal burns are some of the most common types of burn injuries for children. These injuries “scald” a child’s skin. Spilled hot liquids and touching hot surfaces are the typical causes of these child burn injuries.
- Sunburns are another common type of child burn injury. Sunscreen and protective clothing can help reduce the risk of sunburn for children.
- Drinking or touching household chemicals and cleaners can result in a severe chemical burn for a child. Children do not understand the dangerous nature of ammonia, bleach, and other common household acid-based products.
- Electrical burns are caused by contact with an electric current. A child placing an electric cord in his mouth or placing an object in an electrical outlet can cause an electrical burn. Also, defective products, including children’s toys, can cause electrical burns.
If your child sustains a burn, seek medical attention. Even minor burns can result in infection and scarring if not treated properly. First-degree burns can usually be treated at home, but if the burn covers a large portion of the child’s body or the child begins to experience any symptoms of infection or other burn complications, seek medical treatment immediately.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Child’s Legal Rights After a Burn Injury
Once your child is safe and receiving medical treatment, it can be helpful to contact a personal injury attorney for help. An attorney can advise you of the specific steps to take to protect your child’s legal rights. Some steps to take include:
- Take photographs of your child’s burn injury for evidence.
- Tell doctors exactly how the burn injury occurred.
- Write down notes about the burn injury while the event is still fresh in your mind.
- If the injury resulted from a defective product, safely secure the product and preserve the packaging and any information or documents included with the product.
- Document any financial losses related to the injury, including medical bills, travel expenses, and your loss of income.
- Document damages sustained by your child, such as pain, nightmares, missed school, missed activities, anxiety, and fear.
- Do not settle a burn injury claim without speaking with an attorney. The insurance company or the party responsible for the burn may offer to settle the case, but the amount may be far lower than the actual value of your child’s personal injury claim.
Contact Our California Personal Injury Attorney for Help
If your child is injured in an accident, you need a trusted attorney to help you with a personal injury claim. Contact us today. Our California personal injury attorney reviews your case, explains your child’s legal rights and options, and fights to protect your child’s best interest after an injury.