The hardest cases that we have to deal with at Cunningham Law in Phoenix are burn injury cases that involve children. Burns can be among the most painful and devastating injuries that a person can sustain and survive, and to see a child and their family go through that ordeal is literally agonizing for all involved.
It’s a terrible number to calculate, but burn injuries to children are all too common. The American Burn Association estimates that nationwide there are approximately 500,000 burn injuries that require medical treatment each year.
A study published in the Journal of Burn Care and Research estimated that about 10,000 children were hospitalized in the year 2000 due to burn injuries, that’s 27 kids a day, or more than one child every hour admitted to a hospital for a burn injury.
And unfortunately it is children aged 4 and under who are at greater risk. It is estimated that the burn injury death rate for Under 4s is double that of kids aged 5 to 15, no doubt due to a lethal combination of childhood curiosity and thin, sensitive skin.
The study showed that babies and toddlers under 2 years old are more likely to be burned on their hands or wrists by contact with hot substances/objects or by hot liquids and vapors, while children 3 to 17 years are more likely to be burned by fire/flames. Not surprisingly, given the mischief that little boys can get into, the study also revealed that boys are more likely to be hospitalized for burns than girls.
What could be a seemingly innocuous burn incident for an adult can be much more serious for a child. At Cunningham Law, we handled the burn injury case of a beautiful little 3-year-old girl who was scalded when hot chocolate was spilled onto her as she sat in her stroller. The case was settled and the terms of the settlement are confidential.
No matter the cause, burn injuries in children and adults can often require extensive painful rehabilitation, skin grafts and even physical therapy. The physical and emotional trauma from a severe burn injury can stay with a child for life.
As nationwide burn injury lawyers, Cunningham Law represents people throughout the United States who have suffered severe burn injuries; we are experienced at handling all types of burn related cases. In fact in 2008 the Cunningham Law Firm obtained one of the largest burn related verdicts in Arizona history, when a jury awarded two brothers aged 12 and 3, and their parents more than $43 million.
Our experienced attorneys specialize in burn related cases, and we offer a free consultation service. Our contingency fee basis means that our clients owe no fee unless we obtain a recovery for them. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation.
Statements on Cunninghamlawfirm.com is not meant as legal or medical advice. Consult with your health care provider for diagnosis or treatment.
