According to the American Burn Association, approximately 450,000 people visited hospital emergency rooms in 2011 because of burn injuries. An estimated 3,500 died in fires, with nearly 90% of the deaths coming in residential fires. Other sources of fire-related deaths included motor vehicle or airplane crashes, as well as electrical fires. While minor burns can be painful, and can severely limit your ability to perform routine tasks, serious burns can have permanent effect, leading to scarring or disfigurement, as well as limiting your flexibility and mobility. When you have suffered any type of burn injury, you want an experienced lawyer to help you protect your interests.
At Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP we have brought strong and compassionate legal counsel to people throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Nassau County since 1952. We place an emphasis on results, using our considerable skill, knowledge, experience and resources to help you get the outcome you want. In our decades in practice, we have obtained many multi-million dollar judgments and settlements for our clients.
The Causes of Burn Injury
Though burns can be caused by exposure to electrical current, chemical substances or even radiation, the most common cause of burn injury is exposure to high temperatures, whether in the form of flames, hot liquids or steam. The most frequent sources of heat causing serious burns are:
- House or building fires—Residential or commercial fires account for more than 9 out of every 10 burn injuries. Building fires can be caused by a variety of factors, from faulty wiring or gas leaks to fires caused by smoking or accidents involving stoves or other appliances. In high rise apartments and other similar structures, the risk of serious injury increases significantly, as you can easily get trapped on upper levels.
- Motor vehicle fires—The combination of highly combustible gasoline with hot engine parts or defective electrical components can lead to rapidly moving fires in a motor vehicle.
- Flammable materials—Items such as clothing, drapes, bedding or furniture upholstery can quickly ignite and get out of control.
- Dangerous or defective products—Many house fires are caused by dangerous or defective consumer products, such as space heaters, candles, and even fire extinguishers.
- Gas explosions—Improperly installed or poorly manufactured appliances, including furnaces, stoves and dryers, can lead to the risk of explosion.
Contact Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
To set up an appointment with an experienced New York burn injury lawyer, contact our office online or call us toll free at 888-519-6400. Your first consultation is free of charge.
