Burn Injuries Suffered on the Job

Burns are widely considered some of the most painful and irreversible injuries you can suffer. When someone suffers a serious burn injury at work, he or she may file for workers' compensation benefits to help cover medical expenses and time away from work. If you or a loved one has been seriously burned while working, please contact an experienced Miami workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss what legal options are available to you.

Workers' Compensation is a form of insurance taken by the employer that protects employees injured on the job. An insurance-approved medical professional will review your injury and determine the amount of time you are unable to work. Depending upon the nature and severity of the injury, victims of workplace burn injuries may be compensated for about two-thirds of their salary as they recover.

Some burn injuries may result in temporary partial disability coverage, which compensates workers who can return to work. But this coverage is limited. Permanent total disability benefits may be available for victims of catastrophic injuries who will not be able to work for the rest of their life. In cases where workers suffer fatal burn injuries, workers' compensation benefits are available to the families of deceased workers. These benefits may amount to up to $150,000 in the state of Florida.

A burn injury involves a person's body being injured by electricity, heat, chemicals, or friction. A minor burn injury may only affect the top layer of skin (epidermis). When an injury goes beyond the top layer, the middle layer (dermis), or the lowest level (subcutaneous), the skin may become permanently damaged. Common types of burn injuries include:

• Fire Burns: These types of injuries can happen at a workplace whenever there is an open flame. Construction workers and firefighters are at the greatest risk of these types of injuries. However, burn injuries can occur at any workplace.
• Electrical Burns: The most common victims of these types of serious burns are electricians and construction workers. This may involve an electrical shock or an uncontrolled short circuit.
• Radiation: This is when a victim is exposed to UV light or radiation therapy. Workers who are forced to work outdoors in the hot sun for prolonged periods may suffer radiation burns.
• Scalding: When hot liquids or gases come in contact with the skin, a devastating burn injury may occur.

Many claims do not fully cover the medical expenses incurred following a workplace burn injury. Burn injuries commonly require repeat visits to the hospital and oftentimes, extensive reconstructive surgery. Workers' compensation benefits and personal injury claims do not always consider these future medical expenses.

If you or a loved one has sustained serious burn injuries on the job, please contact the Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson to get more information about how to pursue your legal rights. We will explore all avenues, so you and your family receive just compensation for all your damages and losses. Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.