10 Facts You May Not Know About Burn Injuries

The American Burn Association (ABA) estimates that at least 400,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries every year. Although burns are among the most common accidents treated and reported in the United States, there is a surprising amount of misinformation about burn injuries.

As seasoned burn injury attorneys serving Kansas City and beyond, our team at Cullan & Cullan, comprised of 4 lawyers who are also doctors, is committed to helping you navigate an injury claim when another person’s negligence has caused you to suffer lasting harm. Because the first week of February has been designated as National Burn Awareness Week by the ABA, we’ve gathered 10 facts about burn injuries that you may not know, to help spread awareness about this serious type of injury.

Here are 10 facts that you may not have known about burn injuries:

1. Between 2005 and 2014, at least 73% of all hospitalizations and burn center admissions were for burn injuries that happened in the home.
2. After the home, the second most common place for a burn injury is the workplace.
3. At least 44% of all burn injuries that require medical treatment are caused by an open flame or fire.
4. Burns are the fifth most common source for non-fatal childhood injuries, and most of these injuries are caused by “scalding” burns (hot liquids).
5. More than 3,500 adults and children die as a result of severe burn injuries each year.
6. Burn injury survival rates have significantly increased over the last 30 years, as more burn victims have had access to prompt medical treatment.
7. You should never apply ice or ice water to a burn, as this can make the injury worse and even cause frostbite.
8. Overheated tap water causes more burn hospitalizations and deaths than any other form of hot liquid.
9. Even a moderate second-degree burn can lead to infection, scarring, and other complications, especially when the injury is not treated by a professional.
10. You should always call 911 if your burn is larger than the size of your palm, or if you have chemical or electrical burns.