Workplace burn injuries are injuries that occur as a result of exposure to thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation-related hazards while on the job. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can result from accidents, hazardous working conditions, or improper safety measures. Common causes of workplace burn injuries include contact with hot surfaces or materials, exposure to caustic chemicals, electrical malfunctions or shocks, and other work-related incidents. According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), there were 1,287 workplace burn injuries reported in California in 2021. This represents a 10% increase from 2020. Cal/OSHA has a number of regulations in place to prevent workplace burn injuries. These regulations include requirements for employers to provide adequate training to employees on burn safety, to maintain equipment in good condition, and to have fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment readily available.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Workplace Burn Injury
To file a workers’ compensation claim for a workplace burn injury, you must first report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. You can do this verbally or in writing. Once you have reported your injury, your employer will provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form. You will need to complete this form and submit it to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will then investigate your claim and determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If you are eligible, the insurance carrier will start paying you benefits. Here are some of the benefits that you may be eligible for if you file a workers’ compensation claim for a workplace burn injury:
- Medical benefits: This includes the cost of all necessary medical treatment for your burn injury, such as surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications.
- Temporary disability benefits: This includes payments to replace the wages you lose while you are unable to work due to your burn injury.
- Permanent disability benefits: This includes payments to compensate you for any permanent impairment or disability that results from your burn injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: This includes services to help you find a new job or to train for a new job if you are unable to return to your previous job due to your burn injury.
Evaluating Burn Injury Settlements in California
When evaluating burn injury settlements in California, there are a number of factors to consider, which include:
- The severity of the burn injury: The more severe the burn injury, the higher the settlement is likely to be. This is because more severe burns require more extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and can result in more permanent impairment or disability.
- The impact of the burn injury on the victim’s life: Burn injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, both physically and emotionally. The settlement should reflect the full extent of the victim’s losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- The liability of the defendant: The more liable the defendant is for the burn injury, the higher the settlement is likely to be. For example, if the burn injury was caused by a defective product, the manufacturer of the product is likely to be held more liable than the victim’s employer.
Conclusion
If you are injured in a workplace burn accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. If you have any questions about workers’ compensation or your legal rights, contact Pistiolas Law at (844) 414-1768 for a consultation with experienced workers’ compensation attorneys.
