What are my options if I sustain a burn injury at work?

Workplace burn injuries can have severe and life-altering consequences.

Work-related burn injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employees across various industries. Ranging from painful and debilitating to life-altering or even fatal, burns can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and potential loss of limbs. Moreover, burns can lead to infections, blood loss, and a dangerous drop in body temperature. These injuries are frequently sustained on construction sites or in close proximity to boilers, hot stoves, electrical sources, and hazardous chemicals.

Employees who sustain burn injuries on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but navigating the claims process can be challenging without the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to look out for your best interests. At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, our dedicated legal team has extensive experience handling burn injury claims and can help you obtain the outcome your case deserves.

What are common types of work-related burn injuries?

There are several types of work-related burn injuries that an employee can suffer while on the job, including:

• Thermal Burns: These burns are caused by direct contact with hot surfaces, flames, boiling liquids, or steam.
• Chemical Burns: These burns result from exposure to corrosive or caustic chemicals.
• Electrical Burns: These burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, causing tissue damage.
• Radiation Burns: These burns are caused by exposure to sources of radiation, such as ultraviolet light or X-rays.
• Friction Burns: These burns are caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface, such as a floor or machinery.

It is important to note that the severity of these burns can range from first-degree to third-degree:

• First-degree burns, the mildest form of burn injury, affect only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. These burns cause redness and pain but typically heal within a week without leaving a scar.
• Second-degree burns, more severe than first-degree burns, damage the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). This results in blisters, swelling, and red and white spots, as well as the potential for scarring.
• Third-degree burns, the most severe form of burn injury, damage all three layers of the skin and the underlying fat layer. These burns can result in black, brown, and white spots on the skin, as well as damaged nerves, tissue, and permanent scarring. Third-degree burns often require surgical intervention and can result in long-term disability and disfigurement.

Always seek prompt medical attention for any burn injury, regardless of its severity. The long-term consequences of burn injuries can be devastating and should not be underestimated.

Potential options for burn injury compensation.

If you sustain a burn injury at work, you may have several options for seeking compensation and medical treatment. In New York, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who sustain work-related injuries, including burns. These cover medical bills, a percentage of lost wages, and certain other benefits for permanent injuries.

In some cases, you may also be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against a negligent party other than your employer. For example, if your burn injury was caused by defective equipment, you may be able to hold the manufacturer accountable.

To get a clear understanding of your potential legal options, seek the advice of an experienced attorney who can review the details of your specific situation. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess your options, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your burn injury.

Get help navigating the aftermath of a work-related burn injury.

Sustaining a burn injury on the job can have a profound impact on your life and your ability to work. That’s why It is crucial that you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers in New York. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. From filling out required paperwork to preparing your case for trial, our legal team is committed to fighting for the outcome your case deserves.

It’s critical to act quickly after sustaining a burn injury on the job. First, notify your employer and seek medical attention immediately. Then, reach out to our legal team to learn more about your potential options for compensation. Contact us today to see how we can help you.