Frostbite Caused by Defective Cold Therapy Devices

After investigating medical journals and speaking with potential clients, our product liability law firm has learned of dangers that can happen to users of defective cold therapy devices.  The most formidable danger associated with defective ice machines is frostbite.  Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue is subjected to prolonged cold temperatures.  Blood vessels in the body tissue contract, preventing oxygen from reaching the frozen areas.  The nerves are damaged due to oxygen loss, so the area becomes numb and loses all feeling.  Finally, the dead tissue begins to change color, first becoming a waxy yellow or white, and progressing into black.

There are three degrees of injuries caused by exposure to cold temperatures: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. 

So what exactly are the clinical symptoms of frostbite? 

• affected area becomes numb
• skin changes color, ranging from white patches to grayish-yellow to black
• skin appears waxy and feels hard
• swelling
• burning sensation
• itching
• blistering

Frost bite occurs when tissue is exposed to freezing temperatures for a significant amount of time.  Cold therapy devices can subject the skin to icy temperatures for extended periods of time, sometimes causing frostbite.  Patients using these cryotherapy devices have frostbite injuries affecting the tissue, as well as the underlying nerves.  Prolonged cold exposure from ice machines has even caused permanent nerve damage.

If you or someone you know has frostbite as a result of cold therapy ice machines, please contact us today to discuss your injuries.