Workplace Burn Lawyer: How To Get Virginia Workers’ Comp If You’ve Been Burned On The Job?
Each year, thousands of people suffer from serious burn injuries. Approximately 15% of those injuries are work-related. For these work-related burns, the average length of hospital stay is 5 1/2 days, and it is crucial to consult a burn injury attorney to navigate the legal complexities and secure compensation. Immediate care for a burn victim is essential, including providing emergency assistance and following treatment steps based on the type and severity of the burn, such as chemical, thermal, or electrical burns. Workplace burns are most frequently seen in industrial plant explosions and chemical burns.
Employees who suffer burns in manufacturing or paper industries jobs usually suffer the most extensive burns. In comparison, however, employees who are burned in restaurants and fast food locations usually suffer smaller burns which take less time to heal.
Understanding Burn Injuries in the Workplace
Burn injuries are a common hazard in the workplace, and they can have severe consequences for employees. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 5,000 American workers are burned every year due to workplace explosions and fires. Burn injuries can result from various sources, including fires, explosions, chemical exposure, and electrical malfunctions.
There are different types of burn injuries, including thermal burns, electrical burns, and chemical burns. Thermal burns are caused by exposure to heat, flames, or hot surfaces, while electrical burns are caused by contact with live electrical sources. Chemical burns, on the other hand, are caused by exposure to corrosive substances.
Burn injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minor first-degree burns to severe fourth-degree burns. Second and third-degree burns can cause deep tissue damage, requiring years of treatment and recovery. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and can cause permanent damage. Severe burns, often resulting from defective products and workplace accidents, can lead to serious injuries, including disfigurement and disability, and may entitle victims to claim compensation.
Types of Workplace Burn Injuries
There are various types of burns that can occur in the workplace:
Chemical Burns – Chemical burns usually happen when an employee gets a chemical such as a strong acid, alkaloid, or other corrosive substance on his skin or in his eyes. Chemical burns are one of the most common types of burns in the workplace. Chemical burns often cause serious injuries and lasting pain.
In the event of a chemical burn, it is important to rinse the affected area immediately and seek medical assistance.
A worker who is exposed to strong acids and bases can suffer very serious injuries after even a very short time period. Chemicals that are commonly used in the workplace and that can cause burn injuries include:
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Nitric Acid
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Phosphoric Acid
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Hydrofluoric Acid
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Hydrochloric Acid
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Muriatic Acid
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Sodium Hydroxide
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Potassium Hydroxide
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Sodium Hypochlorite
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Calcium Hypochlorite
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Ammonia
These chemicals and others like them work in such a way that they burn or eat away at the skin. These types of burns often happen when an employee has been exposed to a industrial cleaners. Sustained burn injuries from such chemicals can have severe physical, psychological, and financial implications, necessitating legal representation to navigate the claims process and seek compensation.
Thermal Burns – A thermal burn is caused by heat from liquids, hot objects, explosions, and open flames. When a thermal burn occurs, it is extremely important to control and stop the burning from continuing by smothering flames, removing the hot object, etc.
Electrical Burns – Electrical burns occur when electrical current travels through the body and burns muscle and other tissue. High-voltage areas and machinery should be clearly marked to avoid burns from electrical sources. Workers should make certain to avoid contact with water while working with electricity and wear the appropriate equipment to avoid electrical burns.
Sun Exposure Burns – This type of burn really needs no explanation. Severe sun burns can cause blistering and serious injury. Employees who work outside in the sun should know what measures will keep them safe. They should take precautions to reduce their hours, if at all possible, working in the direct sun. Protective clothing, hats and sunscreen should be used to reduce the risk of burns.
Serious Burns
Some workplace burns are mild while others are quite serious and the effects can be long-lasting.
First Degree – First-degree burns usually cause minimal skin damage and are often considered to be superficial since they just affect the top layer of the skin. An example of this type of burn is a mild sunburn.
Second Degree – Second degree burns extend beyond the top layer of the skin. This type of burn is frequently very sore and red and often develops a blister.
Third Degree – A third-degree burn destroys the first 2 layers of the skin. Sometimes, third-degree burns also destroy the tissue underneath. Third-degree burns can appear charred or have a white coloration.
Fourth Degree – A fourth-degree burn affects all layers of the skin. With these types of burns, there is also a possibility that the tissues such as muscles, bones, and tendons might also be affected. Fourth-degree burns often require amputation if the injury occurs in a limb.
Because all workers’ comp situations are different, we always recommend that you talk to a lawyer who is experienced with Virginia workers’ comp burn claims to help assess your situation. Not all workers’ compensation lawyers know how to handle burn cases. You should choose wisely. Burn victims often face severe injuries requiring long-term medical treatment, and legal assistance is crucial in securing compensation for their emotional and financial challenges.
What to Do After a Burn Injury at Work
If you sustain a burn injury at work, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the burn seems minor, it is crucial to get medical help to prevent infection and promote healing. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, and make sure to document the incident, including the date, time, and circumstances surrounding the injury.
You have 90 days to report your injury to your employer, and two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. Reporting the injury to your employer is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers can file a claim regardless of who was at fault, as long as they can prove the injury happened at work. In certain situations, such as when a party other than the employer is responsible for the injury, an employee may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in addition to seeking workers’ compensation.
Workers’ Compensation and Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace, and they can have severe consequences for the victim. If you have sustained a burn injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In this section, we will discuss the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim for a burn injury and the benefits for which you are eligible.
Navigating the Workers’ Comp Process
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex and challenging, especially for those who have sustained a severe burn injury. It is essential to understand your rights and options to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
In Virginia, workers who experience a burn injury at work are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and your average weekly wage.
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be highly beneficial in navigating the workers’ compensation process. A personal injury attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork is correctly filled out and filed on time, and will build the strongest case possible to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
A Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer will keep you informed of your rights every step of the way and communicate with you throughout the entire process. They will use their knowledge and legal skills to fiercely negotiate with your employer’s insurance company, making sure you receive fair compensation following your workplace burn injury.
If you aren’t receiving medical treatment in a timely manner, your lawyer will put pressure on the insurance company to deliver the care you need. With the help of an experienced burn injury lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the complex legal process.
Talk To a Virginia Burn Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been burned on the job, it is wise to talk to a lawyer who is experienced in workers’ compensation claims. At the Ritchie Law Firm, you can talk to us for FREE . . . NO STRINGS ATTACHED! We can give you advice on your claim before you make a decision that could damage your case. Check out our article on “How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost” here.
Burn injury lawyers specialize in representing victims of workplace burn injuries, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
For 50 years, the Ritchie Law Firm has successfully helped thousands of injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation process. The Ritchie Law Firm specializes in serving injury victims. We never represent insurance companies or corporations. If your workers’ compensation case is going to hearing, you will want a trial expert on your side. We are board certified trial specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The attorney you choose for your workers’ compensation case can make all the difference.
Virginia Workers’ compensation is a complex system that can be very difficult to navigate. Be very careful to make certain that your rights are protected before you sign anything. There is no cost to talk to our workers’ comp lawyers. If we take your case, we don’t get a fee unless we win your case. There is no risk to you to get some information about your case before you make any decision that might negatively affect its outcome.