The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have represented numerous burn accident victims over the years in a number of different scenarios that led to injuries. Currently, these same attorneys are representing a seven-week-old infant after the child was scalded with dangerously hot water.
In this case, a mother was giving her infant daughter a bath in their Chicago apartment. While the infant was being bathed, the girl flailed her arms and unintentionally struck the hot water tap which caused a surge of hot water to enter the sink and to partially cover the child. The water led to first and second degree burns over a portion of the child’s skin and required her to undergo medical treatment to correct the damage that was done.
When authorities investigated the scene, the water temperature at the faucet was tested and was found to be in excess of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, a dangerously high temperature and in violation of the Chicago Municipal Code. Our legal team got involved in this case to help the young child seek the relief she deserves for her injuries and to recoup her financial losses.
Our firm has filed a lawsuit against the owner and manager of the apartment building where the child lived alleging that those defendants set the hot water temperature and that they controlled the hot water conditions. The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants violated standards set in the Chicago Municipal Code §18-29-607.1 by letting the hot water run too hot and by failing to warn residents of the danger presented as a result.
The type of burn involved in this case is called a scalding injury or a scalding burn and it occurs when hot liquid or steam comes into contact with a person’s skin. Most often, this hot liquid is water but it can be anything including cleaning solutions, soups, or vapor. Many scalding accidents happen in residential settings and often take place in a bathroom or a kitchen. Annually, numerous children are burned in a similar manner in the United States when bath water is too hot or when a faucet produces water at an unsafe temperature.
Many victims of scalding incidents are forced to seek medical help at a hospital, with a primary care physician, or even with a burn specialist. If the injury is severe, scarring may result and that may lead to permanent disfigurement. Some scalds may produce scar tissue which can reduce range of motion or functionality of a body part in a victim or which can cause the need for additional medical treatment at a later time. Additionally, many burn victims face comorbidities including infection and fever.
If you have been the victim of a burn injury in the greater Chicago area of if your child was hurt in a scalding accident, you may be entitled to bring a civil claim for your damages so that you and/or your child can recover financially for your suffering. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may recover for your medical expenses, wages you were unable to earn while recovering, and nonmonetary losses like pain, suffering and disfigurement. As each accident is unique, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your rights and your legal options if you have questions.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our firm is comprised solely of injury attorneys who are dedicated to the representation of those who have been hurt by the actions of others. To help you, we have a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and to offer you a free case consultation. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential so please do not hesitate. If an accident has harmed you, call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Motorcycle Ridership Increasing in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 29, 2015.