Summertime Burn Injuries: Understanding Risks and Seeking Help

As the sunny days of summer roll in, many of us look forward to barbecues, pool parties and outdoor adventures. However, it’s essential to recognize that the heat of summer doesn’t just bring fun; it also increases the risk of accidental burn injuries. While we usually associate burns with sun exposure, various types of burn injuries are more prevalent during this season.

Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney Daniel J. Moriarty explores common summertime burn injuries, why they occur more frequently in summer, and when it may be necessary to seek legal help.

Common Summertime Burn Injuries

According to the American Burn Association, 37.5% of all burn admissions happen from May to August.

• Scald Burns from Hot Liquids: These burns often occur when people are cooking outdoors. A common scenario is a pot of boiling water tipping over or hot oil splattering during frying. Children and pets are especially vulnerable as they may unknowingly get too close to the cooking area.
• Contact Burns: With the rise in outdoor grilling and fire pits, contact burns are frequent. Touching hot surfaces, such as grill grates or fire pit edges, can lead to painful third-degree burns.
• Electrical Burns: Summer storms can result in power outages, leading many to rely on gas generators. Improper use or faulty wiring can result in serious electrical burns, which occur when the body comes into contact with an electrical source.
• Chemical Burns: People who engage in gardening or home improvement projects may come into contact with harsh chemicals. Accidents can happen when mixing landscaping chemicals or using cleaning agents improperly, resulting in chemical burns.
• Burns from Fireworks: The Fourth of July is synonymous with fireworks, but they pose significant risks of burns. Fireworks are often handled incorrectly, leading to injuries that could be severe. The National Safety Council reports that in 2023, there were an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, with 11 deaths.

Why Are Burn Injuries More Common in Summer?

Burns are more common during the summer months due to several factors:

• Increased Outdoor Activity: Summer encourages outdoor cooking and social gatherings. Spending more time outdoors—even casually—can lead to accidental encounters with hot objects or substances.
• Higher Temperatures: Heat itself increases the risk of heat-related burns, particularly for people enjoying activities near fire pits, grills and even asphalt surfaces, which can reach dangerously high temperatures.
• Lack of Caution: With the casual summer atmosphere, individuals may pay less attention to safety protocols when dealing with fire, heat sources and potential hazards. This can lead to preventable accidents.

When to Seek Legal Help

If you or a loved one suffers a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, it may be time to seek legal advice. Accidents imply that the event was unintentional, but many could have been prevented through proper safety measures. Under Georgia law, if you are injured due to another party’s negligence—such as poorly maintained properties, faulty products or unsafe environments—you have the right to seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Rehabilitation Costs

At Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, our experienced team understands the complexities of personal injury cases. Led by attorney Daniel, who has a background in defending medical professionals, we are dedicated to representing individuals harmed by negligence. Since 2018, Daniel has achieved some of Georgia’s highest malpractice verdicts and settlements, showcasing his commitment to securing compensation for his clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn?

Rinse the area with cool water for 10-20 minutes to reduce heat and prevent further damage. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth and seek medical attention if necessary.

How do I know if my burn requires legal action?

You may have a legal compensation claim if someone else’s negligence caused your burn—such as unsafe conditions at a property or defective products.

What types of damages can I recover for a burn injury?

Victims may recover medical costs, lost income, long-term rehabilitation expenses and damages for pain and suffering.

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury.

Can I claim damages if my child was injured in a fireworks accident?

Yes, if the injury was due to negligence (for example, a lack of safety measures at a public event), you might have grounds for a claim.

Get Help for Summertime Burn Injuries in Atlanta

Summertime should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, but it’s also when the risk of burn injuries rises significantly. Whether due to cooking accidents, fireworks or negligent safety practices, these incidents can profoundly disrupt lives. If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury due to negligence, remember that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

The experienced team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve, ensuring you don’t suffer further financial loss while recovering from your injuries. Your safety and well-being are our priorities, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.