What the Study Found
Tap water scald burns involve faucets, bath, shower or sink water as opposed to other types of scald burn injuries, which involve hot water from other sources such as household appliances. The authors of the study, which was conducted by researchers at the John Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, say that these anti-scalding valves, which automatically mix hot and cold water to deliver a desired temperature, are relatively inexpensive, costing as little as $30, and can be installed by a qualified plumber.
The American Burn Association estimates that each year 486,000 people in the United States are treated for burns. Scalding burn injuries, which are caused by contact with the hot water, make up about a third of all burns nationwide. Scald burns are most common in children under 5 years of age. Older adults and adults with disabilities are also at a higher risk for these types of burn injuries.
Here are some of the study’s findings:
• Between 2016 and 2018 (the period of the study), 52,088 people in the U.S. visited emergency departments for tap water scald burns. Also, 110 people died and 7,270 were hospitalized for these injuries.
• The cost of visits added up to $29.79 million for emergency department visits and $206.69 million for hospital stays.
Premises Liability Claim
It is the responsibility of property owners and/or managing agents to ensure that water pipes on the premises are properly inspected, repaired and maintained at all times. Property owners and/or property managers may be held liable for burn injuries caused by hot water, steam or scalding as well as for slip-and-fall accidents caused by leaking pipes or other dangerous conditions, which should have been repaired in a timely manner. Worn or broken parts must be repaired or replaced promptly. Property owners and managers have a duty to ensure that their property is safe for all tenants, visitors and guests.
Victims of hot water burn injuries can file what is known as a premises liability claim against the property owner and/or manager. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, surgery, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased victims in such cases can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation as well.
Contacting an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries or slip-and-fall injuries as a result of dangerous conditions, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. Our law firm obtained $2,250,000 for a child who was burned by hot bath water and $600,000 in another similar case. We also secured $750,000 for a woman who suffered second- and third-degree burn injuries and scarring after she was scalded by hot shower water in her apartment.
For over 51 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of assisting injured victims. One of our clients — a hot water burn victim — secured $750,000 in damages from the property owner and manager. Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million policy for two people who suffered smoke inhalation injuries because the homeowner did not have smoke detectors installed and the $15,000 that was left on the insurance policy was for a person that we did not represent. Another of our clients recovered $2,500,000 due to a faulty space heater. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/29/3/241