Burns can be traumatic and painful, and they often arise as a result of defective products or personal injuries. But what happens if your burn injury was the result of medical malpractice? Holding the practitioner or facility liable can be far more difficult due to the deep pockets involved. You can count on the dedicated medical malpractice attorneys of Hale & Monico to advocate for you.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Burn Injuries
The one place that you would assume your health is being protected is the doctor’s office. Yet every year, many Chicago and Illinois residents find themselves suffering painful burns at the hands of their own healthcare providers. Some of the most common medical malpractice burn injuries are:
- Thermal burns. Any external heat source, like an open flame or scalding liquid, can cause a thermal burn. Surgical tools are often sterilized using extreme heat, but they can burn the skin if not properly cooled. Flammable oxygen used during surgery can also cause a fire.
- Chemical burns. Hospital facilities routinely handle harsh chemicals like industrial-strength cleaners. Patients run the risk of being inadvertently exposed to and injured by these chemicals.
- MRI skin burns. If you come in contact with an MRI scanner or another sensitive part of the machine, your skin can get burned. The heat can be so bad that it damages tissue as well.
- Laser skin burns. Lasers are increasingly common tools used in surgeries and other procedures. But misuse of a laser can lead to second- and third-degree burns and scarring that may take years to heal.
- Electrical burns. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can lead to exposed wires and other components. These, in turn, can cause a patient to suffer an electrical burn.
Why do burns caused by medical malpractice happen?
There are a number of explanations for medical malpractice burns. Some of the most common reasons these injuries occur are:
- Defective medical equipment. Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities are required to maintain their equipment in proper working order. Broken or malfunctioning equipment should not be used to treat a patient.
- Improperly used medical equipment. Even if the facility’s equipment is in good shape, it can be misused by inexperienced or incompetent technicians and other professionals. This often happens with lasers, MRIs, and other complex machines.
- Not following procedures. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle patients from the time they enter the facility until they leave. Any oversights in these steps can cause a serious mistake that can leave a patient injured.
- Overworked professionals. Far too many doctors, nurses, and other professionals do not take the necessary time to care for their patients. When they are overworked, their patients are overlooked, with burns being a common injury.
Holding the professional or facility liable for your burn injury is no easy task. Medical practitioners are backed by powerful legal teams and covered by insurance policies that don’t easily pay out. Taking on a negligent healthcare provider means you will have to go up against lawyers and insurers who will fight you each step of the way.
Contact Hale & Monico Today
You owe it to yourself to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Hale & Monico understands Illinois malpractice law, and we will ensure you get the justice you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.