Tragically, painful burn injuries occur every day across the country. While small burns can heal quickly, leaving only cosmetic damage, severe burns can lead to lasting physical and even emotional damage. This type of workplace tragic burn injury can leave you with a pile of problems, including extensive medical bills and lost wages. One way to recover some of these costs is through a workers’ compensation claim.
If you have suffered a severe burn while on the job, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation settlement. The best course of action is to seek the guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. At Work Injury Rights, we fight for your rights. Contact us to learn more about the workers’ compensation process and how to file your claim.
Types of Burn Injuries
There are three major types of burn injuries. These include:
First-Degree Burns
This type of minor burn is extremely common. It is a mild burn that does not require any medical treatment. It may cause discomfort and irritation to the outer layers of skin but can be treated with over-the-counter burn creams or other remedies such as aloe vera to soothe. Either way, first-degree burns will heal on their own after a few days.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns are usually accompanied by symptoms including reddening of the skin, blisters, and pain. Second-degree burns can make skin appear wet, leak fluid, and sometimes result in skin loss. These types of burns should be treated immediately under the care of a medical professional.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe and should be taken seriously. This kind of injury burns through all the layers of the skin and destroys tissue, resulting in major pain and the potential for massive infections. Skin becomes dry and leathery or charred and dark. If someone suffers a third-degree burn, they should seek medical care right away.
There are many ways to become a burn injury victim while on the job. The most common burn injuries can result from:
- Gas Explosions – gas leaks that catch fire will combust
- Scalding – when hot liquid touches the skin
- Chemical Burns – could be caused by strong acids coming in contact with skin
- Electrical Burns – electric voltage touching the surface of the skin can cause severe burns
- Inhalation Burns – from inhaling smoke, steam, or toxic fumes
Compensation for Physical and Emotional Pain, and Suffering
Although burn injuries can be incredibly painful and lead to permanent physical damage, you or your loved one also deserve compensation for emotional pain and suffering. However, if the defendant is found to be liable, they will be required to pay for more than just hospital bills and lost wages. The emotional pain, suffering, and trauma involved with a burn injury will also be a factor in any settlement.
Burn Injury FAQs
Will my workers’ comp claim and compensation be different depending on my injuries?
While all burn injuries are significant, the amount of money you receive will vary depending on how severe the burn is. A more significant, debilitating burn will result in more money than a first-degree burn. Burns are divided into four categories:
- First-degree burns: the least serious and can be treated on-site with a bandage and antiseptic.
- Second-degree burns: result in pain, redness, and damage to the skin. They may lead to scarring if not treated by a professional.
- Third-degree burns: impact the fatty layer under the second layer of your skin. Victims who have burns this bad will need prescribed medication and time off of work.
- Fourth-degree burns: the most severe and can significantly impact someone’s life and, often, can lead to death.
The severity of your burns, how much they impact your ability to live your life and job, and how it impacts your income will determine your workers’ compensation claim. To ensure you get the highest amount possible following a burn injury at work, contact Work Injury Rights today.
I was in Broward County doing my job and I got significantly burned. Recovery has been slow, and my income has dropped to unsustainable levels. Am I eligible to get workers
comp from my job?
If you were burned at your Broward County workplace, then you are absolutely eligible for workers’ compensation because you are missing work and unable to increase your income. However, it is a tough fight because the insurance companies try to avoid payments as much as possible.
Most people who get burned while at work will need to receive ongoing treatment to help with damage, scarring, and even mental health support. There are different factors that go into when and how you can get back to work. Every situation is different, requiring a unique approach.
As experienced Broward County workers’ compensation and burn injury lawyers, we can help you to get the compensation you deserve. We will work with you to get your documentation properly filed and medical needs met. Call us today by calling 954-833-5226 or fill out this contact form here.
My child has their first job, and they don’t receive insurance from it. While working, they sustained a burn injury from a fryer. Do I have to pay out of pocket, or can this
be covered by workers’ comp?
These cases are always difficult, but according to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, if a workplace has more than four workers (part-time or full-time), then they must have workers’ compensation insurance. In particular, food service workers are required to carry insurance that covers:
- Healthcare Visits
- Hospitalization/Hospital Stays
- Physical therapy
- All medical testing
- Prescriptions and Medications
- Prosthesis needs
- Psychological treatments
- Mileage/Travel expenses
Depending on how severe the burn is, and whether or not it impacts the ability to work in the future, a teenager is likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To find out more information about your individual case, contact Work Injury Rights today.
How much compensation will I get for a burn injury?
You can claim both economic and non-economic compensation after a burn injury. You will need to list out the demands of your claim and explain why your burn injuries led you to seek compensation. It is a complicated process, but we can help.
It is difficult to predict how much compensation you will receive for a burn injury since everyone has different circumstances surrounding their injuries. Contact Work Injury Rights today, and we will offer you a free consultation and help you understand what compensation you may be eligible for.
Can I file for workers’ comp for a 2nd degree burn injury?
Yes, you can file a worker’s compensation claim as long as you can show negligence and that the burn impacts your job. As work injury and burn lawyers, we look at a few different factors surrounding your injury, including:
- How severe the burn is
- What caused your second-degree burn
- How much work you missed due to the injury
- If you were mentally impacted by the burn
- Pain and suffering
- Income levels before and after the injury
- The cost of your medical expenses
Sit down to talk with one of our legal professionals, and we will help you understand the significance of your claim and what it could mean for you moving forward. Before you seek damages, it is important to talk to an experienced burn injury attorney. Call us today at 954-833-5226.
Contact Our Work Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A burn injury can be a debilitating event, not only physically but emotionally and financially as well. But it’s important to know that you are not alone. At Work Injury Rights, we fight for our clients, helping them get the maximum workers’ compensation settlement available.
Our team has over 45 years of combined experience handling the complexities of work injury claims. Additionally, we work on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything until you have received funds from your settlement. Contact our expert legal team today for a free consultation by calling 954-833-5226.
