What to Do After a Burn Injury at Work
Our attorneys advocate for workers with burn injuries across Mississippi.
Among the most severe forms of work-related injuries, burns can cause immense physical pain, disfigurement, and long-term consequences. Workers in positions that involve exposure to hot surfaces, hazardous substances, electrical systems, or boilers are especially susceptible to this type of injury.
In the event of a burn sustained at the workplace, employees are usually entitled to workers' compensation benefits, but the process of obtaining such benefits can be an uphill battle. At Tabor Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to supporting injured Mississippi workers in their pursuit of compensation. If you suffered a burn injury while on the job, contact us today to see how we can help you. Our workers' compensation lawyers assist injured workers in locations throughout the state, including Ridgeland and Jackson.
Common work-related burn injuries
Burns sustained in the workplace can have various sources and levels of intensity, including:
- Thermal Burns - arising from flames, overheated machinery, or exposure to flammable materials.
- Electrical Burns - resulting from contact with live electrical sources.
- Chemical Burns - caused by harmful chemicals such as acids, gasoline, or solvents.
- Scalding Burns - inflicted by hot liquids or steam.
- Radiation Burns - inflicted by ultraviolet light.
Burn injuries are classified by severity. From least to most severe:
- First-Degree Burns - affect only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), resulting in redness and pain.
- Second-Degree Burns - affect the epidermis and the underlying dermis, causing swelling, red and white spots, blisters, severe pain, and scarring.
- Third-Degree Burns - damage all three layers of skin, including the subcutaneous fat, resulting in black, brown, and white spots and the destruction of nerves.
Workers exposed to heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation, such as those in manufacturing, construction, refineries, and restaurants, are the most susceptible to burn injuries. However, a burn injury can occur in any workplace.
What are the most serious complications associated with burn injuries?
Burn injuries can result in various complications, including:
- Bacterial infections that can lead to sepsis
- Blood and fluid loss
- A dangerous drop in body temperature
- Scarring and excessive scar tissue formation
Minor burns may heal with minimal treatment and time away from work. In contrast, severe burns can take several months to recover from and can result in permanent disfigurement, amputation, or life-threatening infections.
If a burn covers a large area, is deep, or causes dark, leathery spots on the skin, medical attention should be sought immediately. The same is true for burns that do not show improvement or result in increased pain, swelling, or fluid discharge from the wound.
Treatment may involve antibiotics, pain and inflammation medication, surgery, rehabilitation, and skin grafting. Burn injuries can also cause emotional and psychological distress, particularly when the complications are irreversible.
Compensation for workplace burn injuries
If you've sustained a burn injury while on the job in Mississippi, you may have several options for compensation. Workers' compensation benefits are accessible to employees who suffer from work-related injuries, including burns. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other related costs, offering crucial support to injured workers. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party deemed responsible for causing the burn injury, such as a manufacturer of faulty equipment, a supplier of hazardous chemicals, or a negligent subcontractor.
If you've sustained a burn injury at work in Mississippi, it's crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer to gain a thorough understanding of your potential legal options. An attorney who has experience helping injured workers can review the details of your specific situation and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal rights.
Tabor Law Firm fights for injured workers.
Consulting an experienced attorney can be a critical step for individuals who have suffered from a work-related burn injury. An attorney can provide valuable guidance and support, ensuring that the legal process runs smoothly and the individual's rights are protected.
As employers and insurance companies retain legal counsel to protect their interests, it is imperative that workers who have suffered injuries on the job have experienced representation to fight for their rights.
Attorneys Jonathan Tabor and Leigh-Ann Tabor have a deep understanding of Mississippi's workers' compensation laws and are well-versed in the tactics often employed by insurance companies to deny benefits to injured workers.
If you've suffered a burn injury at work, you deserve to receive the compensation you're entitled to under Mississippi law. The Tabor team is here to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
We can build a strong case to demonstrate why you deserve workers' compensation benefits, guide you through the claims process, and provide aggressive representation if your claim is denied. The Tabor team will only consider settlements that fully meet your needs, and if negotiations with insurance companies fall through, we are not afraid to fight for you in court.
To see how an experienced Mississippi workers' compensation lawyer can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.