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. Workplace burns are most frequently seen in industrial plan 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 are typically smaller in size and easier to heal.
Types of Workplace Burns
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.
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:
- Nitric Acid
- Phosphoric Acid
- Hydrofluoric Acid
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Muriatic Acid
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Calcium Hypochlorite
- 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.
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.
Seriousness Of 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 — A second-degree burn extends 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.
Talk To a Virginia Workers’ Compensation 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.
For more than 45 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.
