Hot water is an often underestimated hazard that most of us deal with daily. If not handled carefully, it can lead to severe injuries and lifelong repercussions. Common in residential and commercial kitchens and bathrooms, hot water injuries can occur in a split second or a moment of absentmindedness.
If you or your child has suffered a hot water burn injury due to someone’s negligent behavior, you may have the right to receive compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
What to Do When Burned by Hot Water
If you have experienced a hot water burn, there are some steps you need to take immediately.
- Remove any clothing that has been soaked with the hot water unless the clothes are stuck to your skin.
- Hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 10 minutes.
- If the burn is extreme and has intense pain, call emergency medical services immediately and keep the skin as cool as possible while waiting.
- Likewise, if the burn has damaged multiple layers of skin and there are wounds or raw skin, call emergency medical services. Don’t apply creams or home remedies; just keep the area cool.
- Other signs you need a doctor urgently are if the burn is extensive, the skin is severely damaged and blistering quickly, or you see red streaks.
- If you can move around freely with manageable pain, have someone drive you to the emergency room to be assessed, and a doctor will decide on the best treatment.
- If the burn isn’t severe enough for immediate treatment, you can care for it at home, but you should still see a doctor as soon as possible.
- At home, you can apply water-based creams or aloe vera gel. Never use butter, oil, or toothpaste because the wound must always be clean.
- Do not pick at the blisters or scratch the burnt area. Doing so can lead to infections and further damage to the skin.
- Keep the burn covered until you can see a doctor, and take medication like ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
Common Causes of Hot Water Burns
Scalding burns can be caused by hot water or steam and regularly occur in household environments. These injuries can also happen in workplaces and are commonly caused by a superior’s negligence.
Household Hazards
The kitchen is the most common area where hot water burns occur. Boiling water on stoves can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. Another household hazard is a malfunctioning water heater that can make tap water much hotter than it should be, injuring unsuspecting residents.
Childcare Negligence
Tragically, children are often the victims of hot water burns due to the negligence of their carers. Unsupervised boiling water, hot tea and coffee, and improperly checked bath water can cause severe injuries. These injuries can be devastating for children as their skin is thin and particularly sensitive.
Workplace Accidents
Burn injuries are common in commercial kitchens, where many people are working at once with a variety of hot liquids. Due to the frenetic movement in restaurant kitchens, accidents are much more likely. The restaurant owner is responsible for implementing safety measures to prevent these injuries.
The Long-Term Effects of Hot Water Burns
Hot water burns can have lasting effects, including scarring, nerve damage, loss of mobility, disfigurement, and even an increased risk of cancer due to a compromised immune system. Some burn victims may never be able to work again, which can have a profound effect on their quality of life.
These effects can also damage a victim’s psychological health as they may experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and clinically low self-esteem that can impact every facet of their life, including their relationships.
The affected party may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup the losses caused by a hot water burn injury. This lawsuit aims to compensate the plaintiff financially in several categories, such as medical costs and lost wages.
Filing a Hot Water Burn Injury Lawsuit
When someone’s negligence causes your hot water burn injury, you could sue them for damages. While negligence isn’t always intentional, accidents do happen, and a person may still be liable for injury if they didn’t act within their reasonable or legal duty of care.
For example, a babysitter who leaves hot coffee unattended has breached their duty of care if a child they’re paid to care for is burned. If a landlord doesn’t perform routine maintenance on water heaters and they malfunction, injuring a tenant, they have breached their duty of care. In these cases, and many more, a burn injury lawsuit can be filed against the negligent party.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make filing a lawsuit easier and faster. If you have urgent medical expenses, a speedy settlement can help you move on with your life sooner. A lawyer possesses professional expertise in the legal process and can safeguard your interests, avoid exploitation, and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take the case to trial and protect your interests in court to secure fair compensation.
Navigating the Effects of Hot Water Burns
Hot water burns can leave deep physical and mental scars that can require extensive medical and psychological treatment. Every part of the process, from immediate medical treatment to long-term care, can have profound financial implications for which you should be compensated.
By staying informed about potential risks, taking action when burns occur, and understanding your rights in negligence cases, you can navigate the challenges of hot water injuries. Prevention is always the ideal strategy, but if an accident happens, don’t hesitate to seek legal support to help prioritize your health, safety, and finances.
