Experiencing a burn injury at work can be devastating, leaving workers with not only physical pain but also long-term medical needs and financial concerns. Whether you were burned by hazardous chemicals, faulty electrical wiring, or an unexpected explosion, workplace burn injuries require immediate medical attention and a strong legal strategy. Continue reading to learn the steps you need to take if you have been burned at work and how an experienced burn injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Common Causes and Industries for Workplace Burn Injuries
Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries at Work
Burn injuries aren’t just caused by fires or an open flame. In addition to fires, burn injuries can be caused by hot surfaces and substances, like steam and heated liquids, and chemicals in any form, as well as exposure to x-rays, sun lamps, U.V. lights, and other sources of radiation. Electrical sources, such as wiring and lighting, and friction resulting from contact with roads and other rough surfaces can also cause burn injuries.
Industries with the Most Burn Injury Cases
Workers within some industries are more at risk of sustaining a burn injury at work than others. Those at highest risk of becoming burned at work include those in the following industries, which are listed in no particular order.
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Food Service
The fast pace commonly associated with the food service industry, in addition to the often crowded workspaces and poor kitchen layouts, put those working around scalding liquids, open flames, and hot surfaces at increased risk of burn injuries.
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Welding
Welders are at increased risk of burn injuries at work due to the sparks produced from welding. At times, these sparks can come into contact with flammable substances that can lead to fires or explosions.
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Construction
Due to the machinery and equipment construction workers are often around and operate, they are at higher risk of sustaining a burn injury at work. Additionally, fires and explosions can be caused by faulty temporary wiring, ruptured pipes, gas leaks, sparks from welding, soldering, or grinding, and even lithium-ion batteries commonly found in tools.
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Trucking
Commercial drivers and truckers, especially those of hazardous materials, can sustain burn injuries from fuel-tank punctures caused by accidents, sparks from shorted or severed wiring, and fluid leaks.
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Oil and Gas Operations
Workers in the oil and gas industry are more likely to sustain a burn injury at work from fires and explosions, as well as chemicals and gases.
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Plants and Refineries
Employees at plants and refineries can sustain a burn injury at work from a number of causes, including volatile chemicals, electrical equipment, heavy machinery, flammable machinery, and hot surfaces.
Main Types of Burn Injuries at Work
There are both different categories and types of burn injuries. While burns are usually categorized as thermal, chemical, electrical, or sun exposure, types of burn injuries are most commonly referred to as first, second, third, or fourth degree burns.
First degree burns affect the top layer of skin, leaving it painful and red, but it won’t blister. Second degree burns leave the skin very red and sore, with the possibility of a blister. These types of burns may require an antibiotic cream while they heal.
Third degree burns affect the top and second layer of skin and require IV antibiotics and/or IV fluids. These types of burns may require skin grafts or synthetic skin while healing. Fourth degree burns, the most severe type of burn injury, affects all layers of the skin, as well as underlying muscle, tendon, and bone. Treatment for a fourth degree burn is similar to a third degree burn, though if it is severe enough, amputation may be necessary.
If you are suffering from these or other concerns related to a burn injury at work, an experienced burn injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
What to Do If You Are Burned at Work in South Carolina
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Seek Immediate Medical Care
If you sustain a burn injury at work, no matter how severe it is, visit an emergency room to seek medical advice and have the injury properly documented. Under the current South Carolina law, your employer has the right to select the doctor who will treat you. You can choose to seek care from a different healthcare professional, but your employer may not be held liable for the cost of your care.
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Follow All Medical Advice
Attend all medical appointments and follow all of the medical advice you receive at the emergency room and at any follow-up appointments. This will show that your personal injury claim is valid to the courts and you have taken all the necessary steps to ensure proper care of your injuries.
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Keep Records of the Burn Injuries
Maintain documentation of everything related to your injuries. Write down or record everything about the incident that you can remember, including the events leading up to the incident and names and numbers of anyone involved or who witnessed the event. Preserve any physical evidence from the incident, such as clothing. Do not wash it; store it in a clean plastic bag. Take photos of the initial burn, and all subsequent phases of treatment and recovery, including scarring.
You will also want to keep a record of all of your medical appointments, including the cost of your care, medications, and medical supplies. Medical supplies can include, but are not limited to, wound care and any at-home medical supplies needed for recovery.
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Do Not Sign Anything or Make a Recorded Statement
Even if your employer or their legal representative asks, do not give them a recorded statement, sign any paperwork, or accept any money. If you do, you could waive your right to submit a burned at work claim.
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Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
To avoid potentially taking steps that could lead to losing your right to pursue compensation for sustaining a burn injury at work, contact an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Burn Injury at Work?
Burned at work claims can be complex, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors. If you suffered a burn injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. A South Carolina burn injury lawyer can help you understand the state’s workers’ compensation laws and how they apply to your case.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
The Workers’ Compensation Act in South Carolina states that if an employee has sustained a burn injury at work, they are able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, temporary total compensation for lost time, disfigurement from scarring, and permanent disability benefits if they suffered permanent injury because of the work accident. Compensation may also include future medical and mental health care. A South Carolina burn injury lawyer can further explain South Carolina’s workers’ compensations laws and how this may affect your case.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers for Burn Injuries in South Carolina
Suffering a burn injury at work can be a life-changing experience, and navigating the legal complexities of workers’ compensation or personal injury claims can be overwhelming. Our personal injury attorneys, William B. Harvey III, Thomas A. Holloway, J. Samuel Scoville, and Austin Blake, are dedicated to helping injured workers in Beaufort and the Lowcountry get the compensation they deserve. With over 100 years of experience, our firm has built a reputation for deep local knowledge, trusted advocacy, and personalized legal service.
At Harvey and Battey, you get the personalized attention of a small firm combined with the knowledge and resources of a large firm. Our attorneys have years of experience in many practice areas, such as personal injury, family law, real estate, estate planning, and more, which ensures that we can provide tailored, results-driven representation. If you’ve suffered a burn injury at work, let our dedicated team fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our attorneys in Beaufort, SC and learn how we can be your law firm for life.