Fires are all too common in California and throughout the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, as recently as 2011, there were more than 1.3 million reported fires in the U.S. These fires led to more than $11.7 billion in property damage. Further, the American Burn Association notes that every year more than 400,000 burn injuries require medical treatment, and more than 3,400 deaths result from fires.
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we have extensive experience in legal matters involving fires and all other type of burn accidents and injuries. Our results-oriented approach to negotiation and litigation has allowed our Oakland fire injury lawyers to recover more than $200 million for clients throughout California.
When you are ready to see how our experience and in-depth understanding of fire injury cases can help you, call 800-652-6137 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Smoke Inhalation | The Leading Cause Of Fire Fatalities
The superheated smoke and toxic gases that enter the respiratory system during a fire often cause suffocation or tissue damage that acts far faster, and is far deadlier, than thermal damage inflicted by flames. As such, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fatalities in fire cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Degrees Of Burns
When the skin does come into contact with flames, it can result in a wide range of burns and tissue damage, as shown by the table below.
| Degree Of Burns | Symptoms And Characteristics |
| First | First-degree burns are minor, and affect only the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). Redness and pain exist, but typically go away after a short period of time. |
| Second | Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the dermis (second layer of skin). Characterized by pain, swelling and redness, blisters, and moist or wet appearance. |
| Third | Third-degree burns reach even deeper, and harm the fat layer that lies underneath the dermis. Extremely destructive, these burns can destroy nerves and cause the skin to appear leathery and white. Many times, third-degree burns are life-threatening. |
| Fourth | Fourth-degree burns affect the deepest structures in the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone. Extensive nerve damage and a blackening of the skin are common. Many times, fourth-degree burns lead to death. |
| Note: Anything more severe than a first-degree burn can lead to significant scarring. | |
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Sources: Mayo Clinic; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; National Center for Biotechnology Information |
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Case Spotlight
An apartment fire burned out of control and destroyed the property of three people living in an adjacent building. These same people also suffered burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, hired safety and fire experts, and were able to build a strong case against the owner of the adjacent building.
Result: Confidential settlement on behalf of those harmed in the fire for their physical injuries and emotional distress.
Contact Our Berkeley Burn Injury Lawyers
To schedule a free consultation with one of the accomplished burn attorneys at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, call 800-652-6137 or contact us online.