There are very few injuries more painful and serious than severe burns. Burns, while often fatal, those who survive have a long, excruciating and expensive road to recovery. Burn injuries often occur when a victim comes in contact with flame, corrosive chemicals, hot objects, scalding fluids, exposure to radiation and electrocution and is often due to the negligence of some other party. Victims are often left with physical and psychological scars and burns can require years of hospitalization, doctors visits and physical therapy.
According to The American Burn Association National Burn Repository, in 2011, burn injuries receiving medical treatment were 450,000, including 3500 burn deaths from residential fires and 500 from other sources, such as motor vehicle and aircraft crashes, and contact with electricity, chemicals or hot liquids.
Groups at increased risk of fire-related injuries and deaths include:
- Children 4 and under (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010);
- Older Adults ages 65 and older (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010);
- African Americans and Native Americans (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010);
- The poorest Americans (Istre 2001; Flynn 2010);
- Persons living in rural areas (Ahrens 2003; Flynn 2010);
- Persons living in manufactured homes or substandard housing (Runyan 1992; Parker 1993).