Hot Liquids Can Cause Severe Burn Injuries
The lawyers here at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC will work hard for all of our clients. We believe that the people of Oklahoma City should receive robust legal representation, and we are proud to serve the injured and their loved ones in the region.
Expert legal representation is especially crucial with regard to burn injury cases. Some serious burn injuries may be the result of liquids rather than fires, which many people fail to consider. Let's explore these kinds of burn injury cases right now.
Burn Injuries from Liquids
Many people think of open flame and hot, solid surfaces when they hear the term "burn injury". Yet burn injuries can also be caused by liquids and fluids. By this we do not mean chemical solvents or solutions but rather heater liquids that may be boiling or scalding.
One of the most well-known examples of this is the lawsuit against McDonald's for serving extremely hot coffee. The burns can potentially affect more than just the topmost layer of the skin, leading to serious harm.
Causes of Liquid Burn Injuries
There are many different causes of scalding liquid burn injuries. These may include the following:
- Boiling water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soups
- Hot sauces
- Hot grease or oil
Some of these injuries could occur at the home. The pot on a coffee maker or a French press may shatter, for example, or the handle may fall from a saucepan, causing the content to spill onto a person at the stove. At restaurants, a sever may accidentally spill hot foods or beverages on a patron, leading to severe harm.
How Serious are Liquid Burn Injuries?
Many people take liquid burns for granted, but they can cause serious injuries comparable to flames and hot surfaces. A major burn with scaling liquid can potentially leave to serious nerve injury and major burns. Sometimes these hot liquids can wind up in the eyes, potentially affecting vision. There's also the chance that a serious burn with grease or oil can cause major scarring and disfigurement.
Potential Damages in Burn Injury Cases
Following a major burn injury, it's possible to seek damages from the negligent party. There are two kinds of damages that may be sought:
-
Compensatory Damages – These damages are intended to cover material losses sustained during an injury, such as medical expenses, reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, and the cost of future medical care.
-
Punitive Damages – These damages are sought in order to punish the negligent party and prevent similar actions from occurring again in the future.
It's not uncommon for both compensatory and punitive damages to be awarded during an injury case.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Personal injury cases can be stressful, and the laws on the books may be complicated for people not trained in legal matters. By working with an attorney, you will have a legal expert on your side who will fight for your legal rights every step of the way. While your attorney gathers evidence regarding your burn injury case and provides expert opinions on how to proceed, you and your loved ones can focus on recovery and returning to normal life.
Speak with the Lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC
For more information about your legal rights and options after a serious burn, be sure to contact our team of injury attorneys today. The lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC will work with you and fight diligently for you legal rights and options.
