What Are the Four Causes of Burns?

Although burns are one of the most common injuries experienced among people of all ages, it seems that many don’t truly understand them. Indeed, although they are undoubtedly painful, it seems that we tend to take them less and less seriously as we age and grow. In fact, despite the fact that being a tad more cautious could prevent the vast majority of burns, every year, there are 450,000 emergency room visits due to burn injuries. Of that 450,000, around 45,000 will still need to be admitted into a burn treatment center for the long term. Even worse, approximately 3,500 will not survive these injuries, and despite the high survival rates, many burns come with long-term scars or disfigurement.  However, many burns occur as a result of negligent actions and are entirely preventable. However, this is only true provided that we know what to look out for and are careful enough to take the proper safety precautions to avoid being injured. With that in mind, the following is an overview of the four causes of burns. 

The Four Causes of Burns

As mentioned, many burns are entirely preventable. However, that is only true if people are willing to be much more cautious when it comes to dealing with certain materials and when completing certain types of tasks. Although there are more than four causes of burns, here are four of the most common causes:

Thermal

One of the top causes of burns is thermal-related ones. This means these burns occur as a result of issues such as fires, explosions, scalds, and other contact burns. When you are at home, at the workplace, camping, etc., it makes sense to be extra careful when you are around things such as ovens, stoves, fires, flammable liquids, irons, fireplaces, and many others. This means you should be wearing protective gloves and goggles. You should also make sure that your body is as covered as possible, but not so much that there is extra clothing or fabric dangling off of you. 

Chemical Burns

Another highly common cause of burns is that of chemical-related ones. These are not nearly as common but are the ones that can be so serious; you were likely told cautionary stories about them when you were in school. Chemical burns are caused by substances that are either very alkaline or acidic. For instance, common household items such as paint thinner, gasoline, drain cleaner, and many others. Unlike thermal burns, since chemical burns do not stop until after the agent has been deactivated, these burns can come without warning and are often much more damaging than the person initially realizes. However, to prevent them, you simply need to wear protective goggles, clothing, and gloves when handling these types of substances. 

Electrical

Next, electrical materials are also a common cause of burns. Electrical burns are complicated because they not only burn the areas in which they enter the body, but they also cause damage to all areas in between. So, depending on the nature of the issue, many electrical burns can be rather serious in nature. Some of the most common causes of electrical burns are household currents, stun guns, or even lightning. Generally speaking, these are the burns that occur in the most unexpected manner and thus, often make it more difficult to react in a well-thought-out manner. These are some of the most unique types of burns because the damage is not always visible or even evident. There may not be any physical signs of injury, and the person may not remember or be aware of the incident or the extent of the damage. Therefore, it is imperative to be seen by a medical professional immediately after you have experienced such an injury. While these are often the least preventable, be sure that you are wearing special protective gloves and clothing if you are dealing with anything electrical. 

Sun

Lastly, sunburns are one of the most common causes of burns. These are caused by sunlight or tanning beds and are entirely preventable. By simply using sunscreen before being exposed to either of these elements, you will be able to avoid them. While many do not seem to take sunburns seriously, they can actually be quite serious and result in serious injuries and diseases. 

Need Help with a Burn Injury Case?

Overall, burns happen for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, if you have been injured, you may be able to receive compensation. By working with a qualified burn injury attorney, you can find out what your rights are in terms of recouping the losses and damages you may have experienced as a result of a burn injury. No matter what caused the burn, getting compensated for the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your burn injuries is entirely possible. 

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