Is the Hot Water in Your Apartment Too Hot, Resulting In the Potential for Scalding Burns?
As an experienced Pennsylvania product liability lawyer who has handled a fair share of thermal burn cases involving unregulated temperatures on boilers, I have become well aware that thermal burns of a significant and permanent nature can be caused by the transfer of high energy heat to the body due to an unregulated or faulty boiler. A thermal burn or hot water burn can be quite serious and severe. Temperatures of 140 degrees for only one second can result in a second degree burn. If the temperature goes higher, the protein of the skin is denatured and a full thickness burn can occur. If one remains under the hot water for a longer period, increased damage occurs.
Last year, we successfully concluded a claim for tenants in an apartment house where the temperature regulator was faulty resulting in permanent scarring burns to the inhabitants. Surprisingly, scald burns can account for almost two-thirds of burn-related hospitalizations of young children. Hot water burns caused by defective boilers cause more deaths and hospitalizations then any other hot liquid burn.
It is important to supervise children and elderly persons closely in baths, showers, and kitchens, and it is important to minimize hot water hazards by setting your water heater temperatures as low as is acceptable for your washing needs. If you notice that your water is excessively hot, it is time to contact a plumber to check out the thermostat.
If you have suffered a burn injury or the loss of a loved one due to a burn injury, you may need the assistance of an experienced burn injury lawyer to fully investigate and evaluate your claim. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact the Pennsylvania burn attorneys of Reiff & Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
