The pediatric unit of a burn center makes it evident that many burn injuries experienced by young children are due to scalding hot water. Statistics support this conclusion, since 85% of burns for children under four years old are from two causes: scald burns or contact burns. Since the coronavirus has children all over the country out of school and in quarantine, burn injuries are an increasing concern.
Scald burns in the kitchen.
Burns from hot tap water cause more hospitalizations and deaths than any other hot liquid. The primary cause of this type of burn is due to a child in the kitchen pulling water off the stove and onto themselves. When water is near or at boiling temperatures it becomes dangerous, especially for young children. Prevent these types of accidents by teaching children to not pull items off the stove. Further, practice kitchen safety by turning handles away from the edge of the stove. Use back burners when possible so small children cannot reach items on the stove. Children often want to help cook and emulate the actions they see, making it more important for adults to watch children closely while in the kitchen.
Scald burns in the bathroom.
Small children do not regulate temperature as well as the average adult. They are not aware when bath water is too hot. Children are often excited to get in the tub and immediately want to jump in to enjoy the bubbles. It is important to teach children at a young age to wait for an adult to tell them when it is safe to get into the bathtub. Adults should allow the bath to run, completely turn the faucet off, and then test the water. The best way to test bath water for children is by using your elbow, they water should feel warm and not hot to the touch. Water that feels too hot to an adult is too hot for a small child.
Parents may be able to seek recovery for burn injuries.
With the coronavirus pandemic taking place, many children are staying with family, friends, or neighbors while parents continue working during the pandemic. Having children stay in someone else’s home can be stressful, especially during an already stressful period. Protecting your child is important, ensure that anyone your child stays with for an extended period is providing a safe environment. In the instance your child is injured while at someone else’s house, ask if that person has homeowners or renters insurance. In some cases, not all, these kind of insurances may apply. An experienced attorney can help research potential insurance.
Children need parents to advocate to hold negligent parties responsible for actions causing injuries to children. For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact us at 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741) or visit www.merdes.com.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
