Articles Posted in Burn Injury

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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric has agreed to pay a $3.5 million civil penalty due to their failure to report an unreasonable risk of serious injury caused by defective ranges and dishwashers.

Reports show that the connector in the range’s wire harness can overheat and cause a fire, which could lead to serious burn injuries. In addition, various models of dishwashers were recalled because of  similar fire hazards. The CPSC said the dishwashers could short circuit when condensation builds up on the control board.

6884568558_06fb98ba6d_zStandard CPSC policy requires manufacturers, distributors and retailers to report any findings related to a potential safety hazard or defect to the CPSC immediately. Generally, all information regarding possible risks or dangers should be reported within 24 hours of obtaining the information.

GE and the CPSC announced the recall of 28,000 dual-fuel ranges in April of 2009. The ranges were sold across the United States from June 2002 through December 2005. By the time GE had recalled the product, 13 separate incidents had been reported regarding the harness and wiring overheating in the back of the range. Of these reported incidents, five resulted in a fire.

GE was apparently aware of this hazard dating all the way back to 2004. GE also failed to report the fire hazards that were found in Profile and Monogram Dishwashers that were sold between July 2003 and October 2010. GE recalled 174,000 units in 2010, but knew of several incidents reports dating back to 2007.

In addition to the payment of $3.5 million, GE has also agreed to a compliance program as part of the settlement.  The compliance program will be set up to ensure that the Consumer Product Safety Act is being met as well as various protocols, including:

  • Proper procedures for recording, processing and reporting information regarding possible safety issues
  • Written standards and policies
  • Confidential employee reporting of compliance concerns to a senior manager
  • Senior management responsibility for, and general board oversight of compliance
  • Requirements for record retention

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The National Safety Council delegates the months of June and July to focus on fireworks safety, since fireworks injuries are most common between June 1 and July 4 each year.

Eye injuries are a noteworthy concern when it comes to projectile fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles. According to Prevent Blindness America, eye injuries are common with fireworks, as are burns and other very serious injuries. Most of those who suffer fireworks-related eye injuries are children under the age of 15 since they do not fully understand the dangers of these hot explosives, but it is important to point out that anyone can be harmed by fireworks.

fireworksLast year there were eight deaths and about 11,400 injuries nationally from fireworks, according to a recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To help protect yourself and those you love from fireworks injuries this summer, please familiarize yourself with the following safety tips:

  • Check the fireworks laws and ordinances where you live. In the state of Florida, consumer fireworks are illegal. However, state lawmakers passed an exception to this rule allowing fireworks to be purchased by farms and fish hatcheries. In order for vendors to sell fireworks to customers, all they have to do is have purchasers sign forms saying they’re buying under an agricultural or other exemption.
  • Never let children play with fireworks. While most people tend to think hand-held fireworks like sparklers are safe enough, know that these can reach temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause serious burn injuries. Do not let your child play with, hold or light off fireworks of any kind.
  • If you are going to light off fireworks, make sure to set up a fire-resistant area. Everyone else should be kept several yards away from this area. Also, have a fire extinguisher or hose handy in case fireworks get out of control.
  • Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Rather than lighting off your own fireworks at home, head to professional fireworks shows. While you could still possibly be injured at one of these shows, the risk is much lower than if you choose to light your own fireworks off at your house.

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For many Americans, the Fourth of July holiday means grabbing friends and family members and barbecuing on the grill. While cooking out is essentially a rite of summer, most people fail to realize the budding dangers for serious burns and other injuries right in your back yard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2005 to 2009, fire departments across the United States responded to around 8,200 home fires per year that involved grills, hibachis or barbecues. Annually, these fires cause an estimated $75 million in property damage and injure 120 people. In addition, 15 deaths are reported every year as a result of home and grill fires.

Since June and July are considered the peak months for grilling fires, it is important to discuss how you can keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. The most important thing to remember is to keep your grill away from your house or garage as it could cause these structures to ignite. While it is convenient to grill on your deck or patio, it is not a good idea. Make sure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home in order to reduce the possibility of setting any structures on fire as well as prevent carbon monoxide from building up in a confined area. Always keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave the grill unattended.

It is a great idea to make sure your grill is in good shape before cranking up the heat. Whether you are using a gas or charcoal grill, follow these safety tips to execute a memorable barbeque this Fourth of July.

Charcoal Grills

• Get the charcoal ready for use. You can use charcoal chimney starters to start the charcoal using newspaper for fuel. You can also use a starter fluid, but make sure it is specifically charcoal starter fluid. Electrical charcoal starters can also be used, and these do not use fire at all. Just make sure you have an extension cord appropriate for outdoor use.

• Do not add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it has been lit.

• Make sure charcoal fluid stays out of the hands of children and away from any heat sources
• After you are done grilling, let the coals cool completely. Once this is done, the charcoal can be disposed of in a metal container.

Propane Grills

• Check the hoses and connections between the grill and propane tank before using it.

• Never use a match to check for leaks.

• A propane leak will release bubbles – running water over a hose will show these bubbles if there is a leak.

• If your grill has a leak, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, make sure to get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call your local fire department immediately.

• Should you start to smell gas while cooking, get everyone away from the grill right away and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

As always, the Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton remind you and your loved ones to exercise safety first and enjoy your Fourth of July. Should the worst happen, we are equipped to handle cases involving fires, burns or other catastrophic injuries.

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A Davie, Florida woman is recovering from a burn injury after reaching her hand inside a mailbox where police believe an acid bomb exploded.

Police responded to a residence around 9 a.m. and treated the woman for a minor injury.

The woman told police she heard a loud noise Tuesday night, but did not link the sound to the hanging mailbox door she found Wednesday morning.

Inside the mailbox, police found the shredded remains of mail and a plastic water bottle.

Bomb squad specialists responded to the scene to handle the mailbox’s contents. As of late Wednesday, they were still unidentifiable.

It is suspected that household items were combined to make an acid-based substance, which can cause enough pressure to make a bottle explode.

The physical pain associated with a burn injury can be agony. Burn injuries can result in a lifetime of limited mobility and medical care needs, including skin graft operations and daily medication to control chronic pain. Depending on the substance involved, even minor burns can cause localized or systemic damage to the nervous, immune or endocrine system. Whether your burn injury was the result of a defective product, an explosion or even chemical exposures, the sooner an attorney can conduct an investigation and look out for your interests, the better.

Burn injuries resulting from fires, electricity, acid and exposure to toxic substances may cause scarring that requires plastic or reconstructive surgery. The Florida Burn Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have the resources and access to medical experts to correctly evaluate the full lifetime cost of your injury. We are trial lawyers. This means we are prepared to zealously pursue maximum recovery in a lawsuit against any responsible parties.

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A Florida Panhandle man lost a piece of his tongue and a few of his front teeth after the electronic cigarette he was smoking Monday night exploded.

The fire chief for the North Bay Fire Department near Niceville equated the incident to a bottle rocket igniting in the man’s mouth.

The man was using electronic cigarettes in an effort to quit smoking.

Authorities have yet to identify what model cigarette the man was smoking.

The man is being treated for his injuries at a Mobile, Alabama burn unit.

While cigarette explosions are uncommon to hear of, burn injuries are not. In fact, deaths resulting in fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information collected by the CDC shows that firefighters responded to 384,000 home fires across the United States in 2010, resulting in the deaths of 2,640 people and leaving another 13,350 injured. Likewise, the American Burn Association’s 2011 Fact Sheet estimates nearly 450,000 Americans receive medical care for burns each year. The majority of these burn deaths and injuries are a result of residential fires, but a vast number of injuries and deaths can be linked to car accidents, explosions, motorcycle collisions, industrial accidents and workplace malfunctions.

Burn victims require special medical treatment in order to make a full recovery, which can be costly. If your or a loved one has suffered the devastating aftermath of a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak with a Florida Burn Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Accidents that result in serious burn injuries or even wrongful death are often the result of another party’s inattention or negligence. Our personal injury lawyers can help you recover the costs associated with burn therapy and other medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

No matter how small or catastrophic the injury, the Florida Burn Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of burn victims and making sure the responsible parties are held accountable. We understand that traumatic injuries like burns are the most painful and difficult injuries to recover from. We can negotiate with insurance companies and any other responsible parties to obtain a full and fair settlement for your claim.

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Most people consider holiday decorations a central part of celebrating the season. While decorating your home may be a festive tradition, when holiday adornments have product defects the aftermath can be anything but jolly and leave you and your loved ones with serious personal injuries.

With the holiday season officially here, it is always a good idea to check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to check out if any of your holiday embellishments have been recalled due to product defects. The CPSC works to decrease and prevent injuries related to hazardous holiday decorations by censoring the Internet and marketplace for unsafe holiday trimmings and any other products that may potentially hurt shoppers.

According to the CPSC, more than 10,000 people make a trip to the emergency room every year for holiday decorating injuries, including burns, cuts and abrasions, electric shock and slip, trip and fall accidents. Moreover, candles are found to be responsible for an estimated 150 deaths every year, whereas Christmas trees are the culprit behind nearly 400 fires every year, causing 20 deaths, 70 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.

Ultimately, it is essential to speak with a Florida Product Liability Lawyer at Whittel & Melton to ensure that your legal rights are protected if you or a family member has suffered injuries related to holiday ornaments or any other type of defective product. By consulting with a Product Liability Lawyer, you may be able to file a product liability claim and seek compensation for any injuries.

Determining Fault When a Defective Decoration Ends in Injury

If you have been injured from a defective decoration, a Florida Product Liability Lawyer can organize an investigation to determine who the negligent party is – the manufacturer, distributor, retailer or possibly all three. Sometimes establishing blame can be difficult. The manufacturer will most likely try and prove that the product is safe and may assert that the injured party did not use the product as it was intended. This is not usually the case and your Florida Product Liability Lawyer will be responsible in showing how a defective decoration caused your injuries. Other parties that could be responsible for defective products besides the manufacturer, distributor and retailer include the manufacturer, distributor or seller of any defective component of the decoration that added to your injuries.

Recovering Damages in a Product Liability Claim

After the negligent party has been identified in a Florida product liability claim, damages need to be determined. Damages may include loss of past and future wages, emotional distress, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and any other expenses relevant to your injuries. It is extremely important to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your best interests when it comes to a defective product because most of these cases involve large companies that will have aggressive attorneys working on their side that will try to get you to accept low settlements. At Whittel & Melton, LLC, we can guide you through the process of a product liability claim and make sure you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We can provide you with a complimentary consultation any time, day or night. Contact the Florida Product Liability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC today.

What Makes Holiday Decorations Dangerous?

There have been several holiday decoration recalls from previous years and the following examples can give you an idea how holiday décor can be disastrous.

• Candles and candle holders that pose a fire hazard.

• Christmas lights that pose a fire hazard due to a nonexistent fuse.

• Candles with the wrong wick size that caused flames to burn irregularly.

• Christmas lights with exposed wires that pose a risk for a fire or electrocution hazard.

• Christmas lights with undersized wires that have the potential to cause a fire or electric shock.

The Florida Product Liability Lawyers want you and your family to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season this year. Follow these safety tips when decorating the inside and outside of your home and remember, always use your best judgment.

Light Safety:

1. Make sure all lights have fused plugs that meet safety standards.

2. Make sure outdoor lights are sanctioned to be used outdoors.

3. Check all sets of lights (indoor and outdoor) for cracked bulbs, exposed or frayed wires and damages sockets.

4. Turn off lights when not at home or asleep.

5. Installing timers for your lights can not only save energy, but can prevent a deadly fire.

6. The CPSC recommends using only three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.

Tree Safety:

1. If using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.

2. Trees should be kept away from fireplaces and other sources of heat as well as doorways.

Decorating Safety Tips:

1. Always use flame-resistant decorations. Those made of plastic or nonleaded metals are highly encouraged.

2. Place candles somewhere out of a child’s reach.

3. Never place candles near the tree or any other holiday decorations.

4. Make sure sharp or fragile holiday décor is placed where a child cannot easily grab it.

Ladder Safety Tips:

1. Make sure a ladder is placed on a dry and sturdy surface before climbing.

2. Do not lean too far on either side of the ladder.

3. Always have someone hold the ladder for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a three year period, almost 18,000 people were taken to the ER due to falls from holiday decorating. Make sure to make safety your number one concern when participating in any kind of holiday decorating!

The Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are committed to keeping you and your family safe for the holiday season. We always advise following simple safety precautions and urge you to install working smoke alarms in your home in case an emergency happens to erupt.

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The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has confirmed that four people were injured in a gasoline-tank explosion Tuesday afternoon at a machine shop in Medley, Florida.

Workers were supposedly cutting into an empty fuel tank that apparently was not cleaned properly on the inside and had fumes built up.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the sparks hit inside the tank and created an explosion injuring three workers and a fourth one standing nearby.

While it was noted that the explosion was violent, it did not cause a fire.

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was called to the scene at 12:37 p.m. Three of the workers were airlifted to the burn center at Ryder Trauma Center, while the fourth was transported by ground.

Gas-tank explosions can ultimately result in catastrophic thermal burns, scarring, broken limbs, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even wrongful death. People suffering from injuries related to an explosion often require a lengthy recovery period, which can result in a loss of income while recuperating away from the workplace. People suffering serious burn injuries run a high risk for infections that usually call for extended hospital stays. Some explosions may cause disfigurement that requires plastic surgery. Most explosion victims suffer a variety of injuries, causing substantial pain and suffering. Many victims of explosions can sustain life-altering brain and spinal cord trauma that could potentially keep them from ever being able to work again.

Many gas-tank explosions can be traced back to inadequate maintenance, improper cleaning techniques, defective components and poor training procedures. When this type of negligence is the cause of your injuries, the Florida Burn Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can assist you and your loved ones in developing a strong case for compensation for injuries, lost wages and other costs related to an explosion accident.

Employees who sustain a work-related burn injury are entitled to workers’ compensation for their injuries. In the state of Florida, this includes payment for:

• Medical expenses
• Disability
• Rehabilitation
• Death benefits and Burial Expenses in wrongful death cases

However, in Florida, some work-related incidents also give rise to a separate negligence action when the injury, or death, is caused by a third-party factor. This could be a product defect, construction site defect, the negligence of another contractor or subcontractor, etc. Call our office for a complete evaluation of your case, even if you have already begun a Worker’s Compensation claim. You may be entitled to additional benefits.

The Florida Burn Injury Lawyers can thoroughly investigate your claim, research relevant workers compensation benefits and advise you and your loved ones on every aspect of your case.

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many Floridians have opted to try a new spin on the holiday staple – deep fried turkey. While the results can be delicious, deep frying can also be quite dangerous. In fact, the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers require turkeys to be immersed in a large quantity of cooking oil at extremely high temperatures, which can ultimately release hot oil during the cooking process that can leave you and your neighbors, guests and loved ones with devastating burns and catastrophic injuries as well as put your home at risk for property damage.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day yields the highest number of cooking fires in the United States. Cooking fires are also the number one cause of home fires that cause an annual average of 390 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $771 million in property damage. With that said, the NFPA also reports that deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage every year.

As turkey frying peaks more and more interests, the number of fryer-related injuries and fires are on the rise. According to State Farm Insurance claims data from 2005-2010, the state of Florida ranks seventh in the top 10 states for Thanksgiving Day cooking fires. The other nine states with the most turkey fire-related insurance claims include Texas, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana and Louisiana.

To reduce the risk of deep fried disasters this holiday, follow these safety tips:

1. Avoid Filling Your Pot With Excess Oil – When a fryer contains too much oil, the odds the oil will spill out of the pot when the turkey is submerged is high. If the oil makes contact with a burner a major fire can arise. Read and follow all instructions with your cooking pot or fryer and make sure oil does not exceed the proper level.

2. Properly Thaw Your Turkey Before Dropping It Into the Oil – Placing a frozen or partially frozen turkey into a fryer can cause the hot oil to spill, which can result in a significant fire or burn injury. Do not thaw your turkey by using water, instead wait the proper amount of time until your turkey is fully thawed and then slowly release it into the pot so that splashing and spills are avoided.

3. Place Your Turkey Fryer On A Level Surface – Many fryer fires start on a structure or deck, so make sure you place your outdoor fryer on a firm and non-combustible surface. It is best to keep the fryer off of wooden surfaces and a safe distance away from buildings. Because many fryers are top-heavy it is essential to keep them on a level surface so that they do not tip over.

4. Don’t Leave Your Fryer Unattended – Remember that when you fry a turkey you are using grease or oil that is combustible, so do not walk away from a hot fryer. There are fryers that do not have thermostat controls and if unattended, the oil could ignite from extreme temperatures.

Should a cooking fire arise…
1. Get yourself and your loved ones away from the fire immediately. If the fire is in the house, closing the door behind you once you are outside may help to contain the fire.

2. Call 911 as soon as you can.

3. If you try to extinguish the fire, do not use ice or water. It is best to have an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby should an emergency erupt.

4. Small grease fires can be contained by having a lid nearby when cooking that can smother grease fires. By placing the lid over the pan and turning the stovetop off, the fire can be smothered easily. The pan should remain covered until it is thoroughly cooled.

5. If an oven fire should arise, keep the oven door shut and turn the heat completely off.

Due to the risks of severe property damage and serious bodily injuries associated with frying turkeys, the NFPA advises that for those craving fried turkey this holiday season to purchase one already fried from a local specialty food or grocery store. No matter how you choose to prepare your turkey this year, the Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC advise you to exercise extreme caution and wish you and your loved ones a safe holiday season.

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A bananas foster dessert at a Palm Harbor, Florida restaurant caught fire and resulted in four people suffering burns ranging in severity. A 25-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after allegedly suffering first-and second-degree burns along with a 56-year-old woman suffering respiratory burns.

According to Florida Today, two other individuals suffered burn injuries, but refused medical attention.
The Palm Harbor Fire Rescue said the 151 alcohol that is poured into the dessert ignited and splashed the four customers.

The restaurant, located in northwest Tampa, did not comment on the incident.

Under the Florida premises liability injury laws, the victims of these restaurant burns could receive compensation for their sufferings. The amount of compensation in these types of claims is associated with the severity of the burn, the total amount of medical bills and if there is permanent scarring. Lost wages can also be included in the injury claim if the victims lost time at work.

When suffering a burn injury like the individuals in this case, it is extremely important to speak with an experienced attorney immediately after the accident occurs as there are many steps to take now to assist with your claim, such as notifying the restaurant about the claim, finding out the restaurant’s insurance information, as well as taking pictures of the burn. It is important to note that many times burn injuries go away, so taking good photographs of the injuries suffered right away is ideal.

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January, 2011
A Marion County woman, 29, was arrested Saturday for allegedly pouring gasoline on her boyfriend’s genital area and setting him on fire.

The man was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville with critical injuries. His condition is unknown as of Sunday morning, according to the Gainesville Sun.

The woman of Citra was charged with aggravated battery and taken to Marion County Jail. She was released Sunday morning on $10,000 bond.

According to a Marion County Sherriff’s report, the woman went looking for her boyfriend at his mother’s house. When she did not find him there, she tracked her boyfriend down at an Ocala man’s house. The man called the police to his house after a fight erupted between the woman and her boyfriend that resulted in her pouring a liquid on her boyfriend and allegedly lighting him on fire.

Upon police arrival at the scene, the boyfriend was covered with a blanket, kneeling in the yard. Deputies reported he had second- and third-degree burns on his genital area and torso.

A severe burn injury like the one this man endured is one of the most painful and complex injuries to recover from. Often critical burns leave the injured party with scarring and even disfigurement that can cause emotional trauma and anxiety.

Recovering from a severe burn injury is a long road that can include skin grafting, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hospitalization and continued medical care. Despite the accident or injuries sustained, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be needed to try and gain you compensation for medical expenses, mental and emotional anguish, lost wages and more.

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