Burn Injury at work are among the worst and most painful. California workplace burn incidents can occur in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and more. These significant injuries require immediate medical attention, long-term treatment, and even lifestyle changes. If you were burned at work, you must know your rights and how to get compensation. A burn accident lawyer can help you navigate the complicated workers’ compensation or personal injury lawsuit system.
Common Workplace Burn Injuries
Workplace burns can range from minor first-degree to catastrophic third-degree. Following are the types of burn you acquire that will determine your treatment and compensation. An injury work lawyer can help you understand the common workplace burn injuries.
- First-degree burns include only the epidermis and cause redness, pain, and edema. First-degree burns are unpleasant but usually heal within a few days.
- Second-degree burns affect the dermis, the skin beneath the epidermis. Blisters, edema, and severe pain result from these burns. Second-degree burns can scar, therefore treatment includes wound care, pain control, and skin grafting.
- Third-degree burns are the most serious, affecting all skin layers and possibly deeper structures. Third-degree burns can damage nerves, causing numbness. Burns sometimes require long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, hospital stays, and other treatments. Permanent scars and disability are common with third-degree burns.
- Manufacturing and construction workers may come into contact with toxic substances that can cause chemical burns. Chemical burns may require medical treatment to balance chemicals and prevent tissue damage.
- Workers who touch electrical currents get electrical burns. Surgery and immediate medical attention are needed for severe interior electrical burns that can damage skin and other tissues.
- Heat sources, including fire, hot liquids, steam, and molten metal, cause thermal burns. Workers in food service, manufacturing, and construction risk heat burns from unsafe practices.
Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Claim: How to Proceed?
Most California workers who are burned on the job can file a workers’ compensation claim. No-fault workers’ compensation helps injured workers. Medical, disability, and missing wage benefits are provided. A complete walkthrough on filing a burn injury workers’ compensation claim:
- Get Proper Medical Care: Urgent medical intervention after a burn injury is crucial. Burns worsen quickly without treatment, therefore time is crucial. To confirm, see a doctor even if the injury is minor. Early workplace injury treatment can prevent scars, infections, and long-term disabilities. Keep thorough records of your doctor visits and therapy. A work injury lawyer will be able to get proper medical care.
- Inform Your Company: Within 30 days after an injury, California workers must tell their employers. Give this warning in writing or orally. Tell your company about your injuries as soon as possible to avoid Burn injury claims filing complications. After being told, your firm should provide the necessary paperwork to start your workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation Claim Form DWC-1 is usually required.
- File Workers’ Compensation Claim: Notifying your company, they must file a third party claims with their insurer. If they ignore this, you can file a claim with the insurer. After reviewing the claim, the insurer will approve or deny it. On the claim form, you must describe the accident, burn injuries, medical treatment, and lost income. Keep copies of all submitted documents.
- Appeal a Denied Claim: Sometimes workers’ comp applications are denied. If your workers comp claims are denied, you can appeal. Request a hearing from the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to appeal the refusal. To ensure proper representation throughout the appeals process, it may be best to hire an attorney.
When Should I Seek Legal Advice?
Workers’ compensation is supposed to benefit injured workers, but it can be complicated. If you’ve suffered a serious burn injury, you need legal representation to ensure reimbursement.
The following situations warrant engaging a burn accident lawyer:
- Delayed or Denied Claim: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or delayed, a Burn injury lawyer can help you appeal. Burn accident lawyers can gather evidence, file paperwork, and represent you at hearings to improve your claim.
- After Periodic Disability: If burn damage causes lifelong impairment, you may qualify for more than workers’ comp. A burn accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury case against a contractor or equipment manufacturer who caused the burn disaster.
- Should You Reverse Fair Settlement Offers?: Insurance companies sometimes pay less than you deserve. A burn accident lawyer can help you negotiate fair Burn injury settlements for medical bills, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering.
- Required Long-Term Care: Severe burns may require years of treatment and rehabilitation. A burn accident lawyer can ensure your workers’ compensation claim includes future medical costs if your injuries require several surgeries or long-term care.
Conclusion
If you have a work-related burn injury, legal representation will help you receive compensation and medical care. A burn accident lawyer can help you negotiate, pursue benefits, and defend your rights. Remember that California law protects workers wounded on the job; with legal help, you can improve your family’s future. Consult a burn injuries lawyer today to claim compensation for occupational burn injuries. At the Law Office of Spiro K Pistiolas, we represent the best burn accident lawyers who have handled a wide range of cases. Get in touch with us today at (844) 414-1768!
