Cold Therapy Burn Injury

Cold therapy or cryotherapy has become a popular tool for treating pain and swelling. Many doctors and medical professionals tell patients to use cold therapy to promote healing from injuries. Applying a cold compress or ice pack is a proven way to reduce the swelling in an injured area. However, many medical professionals and doctors do not warn patients of the potential injuries that can occur by using cold therapy. The use of cold therapy can cause cold burn injuries that make an individual’s injury worse. Some cold burns cause new injuries and complications that require additional treatment and medical expenses.

Doctors and medical professionals have a duty to warn patients about the risks that come with cold therapy treatment. When doctors do not educate patients on how to properly use cold therapy, they may be liable for injuries caused by cold therapy. The manufacturers of cold therapy products also have a legal duty to design products that are not dangerous. Cold therapy products must come with a warning about the dangers of not using their products properly. If you have suffered cold burn injuries from using cold therapy, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the skilled personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to learn more about how we can fight for you.

Cold therapy can cause skin burns in severe cases. When the temperature of an ice pack is low enough, and the pack is applied for long enough, injuries can happen. Cold temperatures can cause frostbite which is tissue and nerve damage. Frostbite can cause a lack of feeling in the area and can cause permanent damage in severe cases. What may seem like a harmless ice pack or cold therapy product can actually cause severe injuries. Cold therapy devices have been known to cause all of the following types of injuries:

• Partial paralysis due to severe nerve damage from cold therapy. Partial paralysis can cause the injured person to not be able to move the injured area naturally and without help.
• Severe scarring caused by cold burns. Cold burns can destroy healthy tissue. Severe frostbite can result in permanent scarring that could lead to disfigurement and emotional distress.
• When cold therapy reduces the flow of blood to the injured area, blood clots can result. Blood clots are particularly dangerous because one clot can travel through the circulatory system to the brain, causing a stroke. Blood clots can also cause pulmonary embolisms and other severe injuries.
• Frostbite is the medical term that describes buns that occur when low temperatures draw heat away from the body. When a part of the skin becomes cold enough, the nerves and tissues in that area begin to die.

One of the most important aspects of seeking compensation for a cold therapy burn is determining who is at fault. Several different people could be liable for injuries caused by the use of cold therapy, such as:

• The medical professional who told you to use cold therapy to treat your injury. When the medical doctor did not tell you how long to apply cold therapy, he or she could be liable for your injuries.
• The manufacturer of the cold therapy device may be liable if the device did not include instructions or warnings as to how to use the product properly.
• The manufacturer of the cold therapy device may be liable for using a defective design. For example, if the cold therapy device does not automatically shut off when it gets too cold, a court may determine that the design is negligent.
• When the cold therapy device malfunctions and causes the device to become too cold, too quickly, the burn injury victim may have a legal claim.

Cold burn injuries are not as well known as burns caused by fire or hot surfaces. Nonetheless, cold burns can cause devastating injuries with lasting consequences. Living with frostbite, nerve damage, and scarring can be medically and emotionally challenging. If you have had to take time off of work because of your cold burn injuries, you may be worried about paying your bills.

Contacting a skilled attorney as soon as possible is essential. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC we have helped many clients with burn injuries recover compensation. Contact our Charlotte cold burn injury law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.