Chemical Burns from Manhole Cover Exposure Leads to Severe Injuries in Pediatric Patient

Case Overview

This case involves a young child, approximately 17 months old, who sustained severe burns to their hands and feet after falling on a manhole cover. The nature of the burns appeared chemical, prompting legal scrutiny regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The plaintiff's legal team is seeking expert testimony to analyze the burn patterns and the extent of the damage. Given the unique situation of the incident, an understanding of both the medical implications of chemical burns and the legal responsibilities of property ownership and maintenance is essential.

The child was playing in a public area when the incident occurred, raising questions about the safety and condition of the manhole cover. The analysis of medical records and photographic evidence will be critical in establishing the cause and severity of the burns, as well as potential liability.

Questions to the Plastic Surgery expert and their responses

How often do you manage chemical burns in pediatric patients?

I have been a burn team member since 1979, have worked at over 11 burn units, and have spent 17 years as the medical director of a burn center. Chemical burns in the pediatric population are not very common and are usually household chemical exposures, like Draino and bleach-type products. I have treated maybe a dozen and a few required operations. We do teach about chemical burns in children in my Pediatric Acute Burn Lectures.

If retained, would you be willing and able to review 50 pages of records/pictures and be disclosed as an expert witness by a specific date?

My first thought is that it was a hot contact burn instead since manhole covers can be quite hot in the sun. I am interested in reviewing this case.

About the expert

This expert has over 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, specializing in burn care. She obtained her BA from Duke University, before receiving her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She then completed two residencies in general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery, respectively, at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, followed by a fellowship in burn care at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research. Today, this expert is board-certified in plastic surgery. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the North American Burn Society, the American College of Surgeons, the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. She is also very active in academia, having published and presented extensively on topics related to plastic and reconstructive surgery and burn care. She previously served as an assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of California, Davis, as an assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Shriners Hospital for Children, as the director of burn reconstruction service at the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, and as an assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Southern California. More recently, this expert worked as an associate professor and a professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Nebraska, as well as the director of the burn and wound center at the Nebraska Medical Center. She is currently a staff surgeon at two hospitals in Nebraska, and a clinical professor of plastics and reconstructive surgery at a children's hospital in Nebraska.

E-081562

Specialties:

Plastic Surgery