Causes of Burns

Chemical Burn – A chemical burn occurs when the skin is in contact with strong acids or alkaloids. The chemical will continue to burn its way through the skin and deeper layers until it is washed away. It is important to wash the chemical off the skin as soon as possible and remove clothing and jewelry that may have the chemical on it. Examples of household chemicals that can cause burns include bleach, paint thinner, and plumbing products such as Drano or Liquid Plumber. Chemical burns can also occur in the workplace.

Electrical Burn – An electrical burn can occur when a current jumps from an electrical outlet, cord or appliance and passes through your body. The electricity can burn the skin and may also cause internal damage. There are a number of ways in which someone can get an electrical burn. The leading causes are sticking a knife into a plugged-in toaster, dropping a plugged-in appliance into water, sucking or chewing on an electrical cord, and sticking something into an electrical outlet.

Scald Burn - Scald Burns are injuries caused by hot liquids or steam. Hot liquids, not fire, are the most common cause of burns to young children. Hot water can quickly cause serious, painful scald burns.

Thermal burn - Thermal burns are caused by contact with flames, steam, hot liquids, or hot objects. An example would be a burn on a curling iron. Although many thermal burns occur at home, they are also common with roofers and construction workers, when they come into contact with tar and asphalt.

Our burn injury attorneys are here to help you. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury and believe it was due to the negligence of another, call us now at 1-800-483-2050 or contact us by clicking on a New York Burn Injury Attorney.