An East Las Vegas Valley apartment fire resulted in the hospitalization of multiple people and the death of four pets, according to a news report from FOX 5 Vegas. The fire occurred just after noon at an apartment complex near Eastern Avenue on 2740 East Bonanza Road. The fire, according to authorities, began in a bedroom in a four-unit building. As a result of the blaze, two people were rushed to the local hospital with serious injuries from smoke inhalation. Reports state that a third victim who was already bedridden, was found unconscious by emergency responders. Authorities further noted that one victim was in critical condition. Moreover, four pets died in the fire. News reports further stated that multiple individuals were displaced since the fire destroyed the unit and resulted in about $50,000 in damage.
Types of Burn Injuries
Injuries from burns are painful and can also be extremely damaging in the long term. Depending on the type of burn, an injured victim could suffer internal injuries, extensive skin damage, or even amputation. Medical treatment for these injuries can be expensive and prolonged to include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling. The most common types of burn injuries may include:
- First-degree burns: These injuries, which affect the outermost layer of the skin, and cause pain, discomfort, and redness. These burns can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications;
- Second-degree burns: These injuries extend under the outer skin layer causing blisters, redness, hardening or stiffening of muscles, tendons, and other tissues, and discomfort;
- Third-degree burns: these burns go through all layers of the skin, possibly destroying nerves and leaving scars. The burns require immediate medical attention as well as pain management as they often result in white, waxy, and leathery skin;
- Fourth-degree burns: These burns penetrate through to the bone leaving permanent damage to ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Oftentimes these burns necessitate amputation.
Common Causes
The four most common causes behind burn injuries include thermal contact, smoke inhalation, chemicals, and electrical equipment.
Thermal contact: The most common type of injury, thermal burns are the result of direct contact with an open heat source — this may include steam, fire, sunburns, or a boiling liquid.
Smoke inhalation: When someone inhales too much carbon dioxide or other gasses that are potentially dangerous, damage to the respiratory system can occur. Smoke inhalation can result in blocked airways and damage lungs or even suffocate the victim even without direct exposure to burns.
Chemical burns: When workers have to be around dangerous chemicals, contact can result in a serious burn. Synthetic and corrosive substances that come into contact with the eyes, skin, or internal organs and cause serious injuries. Other types of substances that can cause harm include oxidizers, bases, thinning agents, solvents, alkylating agents, and some acids.
Electrical equipment: If a victim interferes with an electrical current — like swimming in electrified water, touching an exposed wire, or mishandling machinery — they can end up with superficial tissue damage.
Contact H&P Law
If you have suffered a burn injury in Nevada, contact the personal injury lawyers at H&P Law. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries under applicable law. Contact our Las Vegas or Henderson office to speak with one of our attorneys.
