Whether you were injured in a car accident, workplace incident, or slip and fall, Regan Zambri Long is D.C.’s advocate for personal injury justice.

 Common Causes of Burn Injuries at Home and in the Workplace

Burn injuries can happen anywhere, but they most frequently occur at home or in the workplace. Every year, thousands of individuals in Washington, DC suffer serious burns due to unsafe conditions, preventable accidents, or the failure of others to follow proper safety protocols. These injuries often lead to extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent physical and emotional damage.

At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, we help burn injury victims understand the causes of their injuries and determine whether negligence played a role. When someone else is responsible for the conditions that caused a burn—whether it’s an employer, property owner, or manufacturer—victims have the right to seek compensation.

Learn more about Burn Injuries here

There are many potential causes of burn injuries, but most can be grouped into several categories, depending on the source of heat or chemical reaction.

The most common types of burn injuries are:

Thermal burns: caused by contact with flames, hot objects, steam, or hot liquids

Electrical burns: caused by exposure to live electricity or faulty wiring

Chemical burns: caused by contact with acids, alkalis, or other caustic substances

Radiation burns: caused by overexposure to UV rays or radiation sources

Friction burns: caused by skin rubbing against a hard surface at high speed

In the home, thermal and chemical burns are the most frequent. Scalding from hot water, stove-top cooking accidents, or spilled coffee can lead to serious second- or third-degree burns. Grease fires in kitchens, candles left unattended, or poorly maintained appliances are all common causes of residential burn injuries.

Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. A curious child can reach up and pull down a pot of boiling water or access household cleaners under a sink. An older adult may have slower reaction times or mobility issues, increasing the risk of burns during cooking or bathing.

In rental housing, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. If a tenant is burned because a water heater was set too high, electrical systems were faulty, or smoke alarms failed to activate, the landlord could be held liable.

Product defects can also lead to home burn injuries. Space heaters that tip over easily, electrical blankets with faulty wiring, or kitchen appliances that overheat can cause fires or burns. In such cases, victims may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

Workplace burn injuries are also common, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, food service, and healthcare. OSHA reports that thousands of workers are hospitalized each year due to severe burns, many of which could have been prevented with proper safety measures.

In kitchens, burns are often caused by open flames, deep fryers, or scalding liquids. In construction or electrical work, faulty wiring or contact with live power sources can result in electrical burns or arc flash injuries. Workers in chemical plants or laboratories may be exposed to caustic substances without adequate protective gear, leading to severe chemical burns.

Burn injuries in the workplace may be the result of:

Lack of protective equipment (gloves, aprons, face shields)

Poor training or safety protocols

Faulty machinery or exposed wiring

Improper handling or storage of hazardous materials

Failure to install or maintain fire suppression systems

Employers are required under OSHA regulations to provide a safe working environment, including adequate safety training, proper equipment, and emergency procedures. If an employer fails to meet these standards, they may be liable for a worker’s injuries—particularly in cases involving gross negligence or third-party involvement.

It’s also important to understand that many workplace burns result from the negligence of third-party contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. In these cases, a personal injury claim outside of workers’ compensation may be possible. This can provide significantly greater compensation, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full recovery of lost wages.

Regardless of the setting, burn injuries are often severe and life-altering. Victims may require:

Hospitalization and wound care

Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery

Physical and occupational therapy

Pain management and psychological counseling

Time off work or permanent disability accommodations

At Regan Zambri Long, we conduct thorough investigations into the cause of every burn injury case. We gather incident reports, fire department findings, building inspection records, equipment manuals, and eyewitness accounts. We also work with fire safety engineers and medical experts to determine liability and damages.

In Washington, DC, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years. However, for claims involving government buildings, employers, or product manufacturers, specific timelines and notice requirements may apply. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible following a burn injury.

Compensation in burn injury cases may include:

Medical bills and future care expenses

Lost income and reduced earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Disfigurement and scarring

Emotional trauma

Costs of home modifications or long-term care

Our goal is to ensure our clients are not left facing the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence. A fair settlement or court verdict can provide the resources needed to recover and regain a sense of control over life after a traumatic injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury at home or at work, you may not know where to turn or who is responsible. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, investigate the facts, and pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers in Washington, DC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and fight to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.