- Workers' Compensation
Burn injuries are some of the most painful injuries of all. Not only is there little your doctor can do to treat these injuries. But they tend to persist for weeks, or even months. This is why it’s so important that you reach out to a skilled workers’ comp attorney in Tampa right away.
Here, we’ll discuss the industries where severe burns are most common and what types of workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to.
What Jobs Put You at the Greatest Risk of Burn Injuries?
There are certain jobs that are more dangerous than others. When it comes to burn injuries, however, you may be surprised at which careers put you at the greatest risk.
Over the years, our Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers have helped dozens, if not hundreds of employees who suffered a burn injury while on the job. Workers in the following professions are at the highest risk for burns.
- Food service industry – Many chefs and cooks suffer burn injuries. Working in a hot kitchen and on a hot stove puts them at a higher risk.
- Oil and gas workers – These workers are always at risk of being exposed to dangerous fumes and chemicals. They’re also at the risk of being near an explosion.
- Electricians – If you work as an electrician, you already know the risks you assume on the job. You could be burned or even electrocuted at any point in your career.
- Firefighters – It goes without saying that firefighters are at the greatest risk of suffering burn injuries. Even minor fires can leave a firefighter in the hospital with second- or third-degree burns.
- Mechanics – Auto mechanics work with hot engines all day long. They are also exposed to hot liquids, such as oil and transmission fluid. Any of these things could result in a serious burn injury.
- Construction workers – Whether you spend your days putting hot tar on a roof or building a house, you’re at the risk of getting burned.
If you work in any of these industries, you may need the services of an experienced worker’s comp attorney in Tampa.
What Kind of Treatment Is Available to Workers Who Suffer a Burn?
One of the problems with burn injuries is that there is very little your doctor can do to help. There is no formal treatment for burn injuries. The best they can do is try to control the pain. They may be able to perform skin grafts down the road once you’ve started to heal.
This is why so many burn victims end up with permanent disabilities. There is no guarantee that you’ll ever heal. If this is the case, your workers comp attorney in Tampa will fight to get you permanent benefits.
In fact, your Tampa workers compensation lawyer will try to negotiate a settlement of your claim.
Your Workers Comp Attorney in Tampa Must Demonstrate That You Meet the Criteria for Benefits
Of course, before they can demand that you receive benefits, your workers comp attorney in Tampa must prove that you qualify. In Florida, as with every other state, there are certain requirements you must meet to receive workers comp benefits.
Some of the more critical requirements that you must meet include the following:
- You must be acting within the scope of your employment at the time of your accident. In other words, you were doing your job at the time.
- You must report your accident within the thirty (30) day period.
- You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of your injury.
- You must agree to be treated by an approved workers comp doctor.
As long as you meet these criteria, there’s a good chance your claim will be approved.
What Benefits Will You Receive if Your Claim Is Approved?
If your claim is approved, you’ll be entitled to three main types of benefits. Obviously, your medical care will be covered by the insurance company. This includes any treatment directly related to your workplace injuries.
You’ll also be entitled to weekly benefits. These serve as replacement wages for the weeks that you are out of work recovering. In Florida, you’ll receive 2/3 of your average weekly wages.
Finally, you may be entitled to vocational assistance and occupational therapy. It all comes down to what your Tampa workers compensation lawyer can prove.
A Tampa Workers Comp Lawyer Can Help You Appeal If Your Claim Is Denied
If your workers’ compensation claim happens to be denied, your attorney can help you file an appeal. The only problem with this is that the same person who denied your claim the first time around will be the one who reviews it the second time.
If your appeal isn’t successful, your Tampa workers comp attorney can still appeal your case to the Division of Workers Compensation.
Burn Injuries May Qualify as a Catastrophic Injury
There are certain injuries that are treated differently under Florida’s workers compensation law. These are called catastrophic injuries. Essentially, any injury that makes it impossible for a person to work may be considered catastrophic.
According to Florida Statute 440.15(b)(4), any second or third-degree burns that cover more than 25% of a person’s body is considered a catastrophic injury. This is true for any third-degree burns on a person’s face or hands.
If you suffer this serious of a burn injury, there’s a good chance you’ll be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Your Workers Comp Attorney in Tampa Must You Meet the Criteria for Catastrophic Injury
In order for you to qualify for permanent benefits, your Tampa workers compensation lawyer must demonstrate that you meet the criteria spelled out above. They can do this using your medical records.
Your workers compensation doctor may need to testify or at least sign an affidavit confirming the severity of your burn injuries. If your injuries qualify as catastrophic, you’ll be entitled to the following:
- Lifetime benefits equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages at the time of the accident or injury
- These benefits will last until you are 75 years old
- If you are not eligible for social security benefits, you will continue to receive these benefits for life.
One caveat is that your workers comp attorney in Tampa must demonstrate two things:
- You are not able to work, even in a sedentary position.
- You cannot find employment within 50 miles of your home.
As long as they can prove these two things, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for permanent benefits. However, most of the time, our Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers negotiate a settlement on your behalf. This way, you’ll get a lump sum upfront rather than wait to collect benefits for thirty or forty years (or longer).
Contact One of Our Experienced Tampa Workers Compensation Lawyers Right Away
Burn injuries are some of the most painful injuries of all. Not only is there little your doctor can do to treat these injuries. But they tend to persist for weeks, or even months. This is why it’s so important that you reach out to a skilled workers’ comp attorney in Tampa right away.
Our firm offers all new clients a free case review. All you have to do is call our office at (954) 324-COMP to schedule your initial consultation.
Our team of workers comp attorneys in Tampa will work hard to make sure you receive the benefits you deserve.
