How Common Are Burn Injuries in Children?

Most parents go to great lengths to protect their children. They use outlet covers, anchor furniture to the wall, and take other “childproofing” measures in the home. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur.

That Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 300 kids from birth to age 19 are seen in U.S. emergency rooms each day for burn injuries. Tragically, two children die daily from burns. Burn injuries can occur in a variety of settings outside the home, including day cares, schools, and playgrounds. If your child sustained a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Connecticut personal injury lawyer right away.

Burn Injuries in Kids

According to an analysis of burn injuries in children occurring between 1990 and 2006, kids under age six experienced burns more than any other age range, with boys more likely than girls to suffer a burn.

The study also reports that most burns in children occur on the hands and fingers. According to the CDC, the source of burn injuries varies depending on the child’s age. For example, the youngest children are most often injured due to hot water temperatures. In older children, burns are more likely to happen due to candles and other open flames. Overall, burn injuries in kids have dropped in recent years, but burns still remain a major risk of injuries in kids.

Preventing Burn Injuries in Children

The good news is that the majority of childhood burn injuries are preventable. There are many ways parents and caregivers can lower their child’s risk of a burn.

Parents and caregivers can reduce the likelihood of a scalding burn by carefully monitoring water temperature and always checking the temperature before placing a child in a bath or giving a child a hot drink. The CDC also recommends setting all water heaters no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

To prevent childhood burns from flame and fire, parents and caregivers should consider taking the following safety precautions:

• Smoke detectors. Place smoke detectors on every floor of a home, day care, or other structure. Test them monthly to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Practice safe cooking habits. Use caution when cooking and preparing food. Children are naturally curious, and little hands can easily reach knobs on ovens and other appliances. Never leave an oven or other appliance unattended, especially with children in the house.
• Create an escape plan. Make an evacuation plan for your home or place of business. Make sure all children in the home or facility know where to go and what to do in the event of a fire. Your plan should include a minimum of two escape routes and specify a safe meeting place for everyone to gather outside the building.

Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyers

Injuries to children are always tragic. No one wants to see a child suffer. If your child has suffered a burn injury, you are probably dealing with a mix of emotions, as well as medical bills and other costs you never anticipated. The experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyers at Nugent & Bryant are here today. Call us today at (203) 795-1111 for a free consultation.