Summer BBQs don’t always have a happy ending, and each year thousands of people are burned by malfunctioning grills or by individuals who negligently operate these devices. Burns are the most common injury suffered by people injured in these incidents.
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American BBQ at a Glance
Americans love BBQ, and approximately 75% of households have a grill or smoker.62% have a gas grill, and 53% have a charcoal grill.
The most popular times to grill are the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. These holidays also have the highest rates of alcohol consumption which also contributes to the increased number of grilling injuries that occur on these dates.
Injuries, Deaths, and Fires from BBQs
In 2012, 16,900 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for BBQ related injuries.
In 2014, that number dropped slightly to 16,600. Over half of these injuries (8,700) were thermal burns caused by direct contact with flame or contact with hot objects such as grill lids, utensils, etc.
Children are at considerable risk of injury from non-grill thermal burns caused by contact with hot objects. In 2016, of the 4,900 non-grill burns treated in emergency rooms, 1,600 of these were to children younger than 5-years old.
From 2006 to 2008, of nearly 5,700 grill fires reported, 10 resulted in deaths and more than 37$ million in property damage.
From 2005 to 2007, 8 individuals died and an unknown number were injured by charcoal grills that were operated within enclosed spaces. From 2009 to 2013, the average number of people killed by grill accidents rose to 10 per year.
79% of injuries, fatalities, and fires are caused by gas grills, and 57% of these occurred between May and August.
Between 2009 and 2013, fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 fires each year that were caused by BBQ grills. These include an average of 3,900 structure fires and 5,000 outdoor fires.
Liability for BBQ Injuries
A personal injury lawyer in Nevada can help injured individuals recover compensation for their injuries. Grill owners who operate poorly maintained grills, party guests who create unsafe conditions, and manufacturers who create defective products may be liable for the injuries they cause.
Individuals may seek compensation for medical expenses including long-term treatment of thermal burns and reconstructive surgery. They may also seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.