The overwhelming majority of parents would do anything to keep their children safe. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 300 kids up to age 19 are treated in U.S. emergency rooms every day for burn injuries. Sadly, two children die each day as a result of a burn or complications from a burn injury.
Burns can happen just about anywhere, including playgrounds, daycares, and schools. Even the most careful caregiver may not be able to avoid an accident. But, if your child suffered a burn due to another person’s negligence, don’t wait to contact a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Burn Injuries and Kids
According to one analysis of childhood burn injuries between 1990 and 2006, children below the age of six were more likely than any other age group to suffer a burn injury. Also, boys sustained burn injuries more often than girls, with 58 percent of burn injury cases involving a male child.
Overall, children were most often burned on their fingers and hands. The CDC reports that burn injuries vary depending on the age of the child. Younger children are more likely to suffer burns from too-hot water and other liquids, whereas older kids are most often injured by direct contact with fire and open flames. Although burn injuries in children have decreased over the years, these types of injuries still account for a high number of childhood injuries.
Preventing Burn Injuries in Children
Most burn injuries involving children are preventable. Fortunately, there are numerous ways parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of a burn injury to a child.
Parents and caregivers can lower the incidence of burn injuries involving water and other liquids by always checking water temperature before placing a child in water or serving water or other liquids to a child. The CDC recommends setting all water heaters in the home and child-related facilities to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This prevents water from becoming too hot.
To lower the risk of burns from fire, parents and caregivers should do the following:
Smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms on every floor of a home, daycare, or other dwelling. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Careful cooking. Use care when preparing food. Little fingers are naturally curious, and children can easily reach knobs on stoves and other appliances. Never leave food cooking on a stovetop unattended. Furthermore, parents and caregivers should always supervise children in and around kitchens and any time food is prepared. Teach children at a very young age never to touch the stove or other appliances in the kitchen.
Escape plan. Create an evacuation plan. Whether you are at home or in a facility that cares for children, make sure your child knows what to do in the event of a fire. Your plan should incorporate at least two routes of escape and identify a meeting spot outside the structure where everyone can safely gather after exiting the building in the event of a fire.
With a few preventative measures, parents and caregivers can ensure their little loved ones are protected from the risk of burns.
Contact an Attorney for Help with a Personal Injury
When children are injured, most parents are overwhelmed by a number of emotions; including fear, anger, and frustration. You want your child to be protected and safe from harm. When a child sustains an injury, such as a burn, parents can also be burdened by medical bills and other costs they never anticipated.
If your child has been injured in a burn incident and you think someone else’s recklessness may be to blame, speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options.
Author Bio: Corey Leifer began his legal career as a Prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office. In 2002, Mr. Leifer established the Leifer Law Firm, which concentrates solely on personal injury matters such as car accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice cases and premises liability. He was awarded the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Now he is serving in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and throughout Sourth Florida.