Workers can sustain many different types of injuries at work. In certain types of jobs, employees may be at risk for burn work injuries. In 2017, over 3,300 Pennsylvania workers were burned on the job. Burns do not only happen as a result of an open flame. The different types of burn injuries include:
- Chemical burns.
- Radiation burns.
- Burns from explosions.
- Electrical burns.
- Thermal burns from coals or other gases materials.
- Scalding burns are caused by exposure to hot liquids.
If an employee is burned at work, they are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can help with benefits.
How are Burn Injuries Categorized?
Burns are categorized by their severity:
- First-Degree Burns: This is the least serious and affects only the outer layer of the skin. First-degree burns involve redness on the skin, and they heal fairly quickly.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns impact the second layer of the skin. This can result in blisters, swelling, red and white spots, and scarring.
- Third-Degree Burns: This involves all three layers of the skin, including the fat layer beneath the dermis. This can lead to more severe and permanent damage. Third-degree burns can lead to damaged tissues, nerves, white spots on the skin, black or brown areas on the skin, and permanent scarring.
When Should I Receive Medical Attention for a Burn?
After a work accident, a person could have a serious injury, such as a third-degree burn, and should seek medical care. A person may have a third-degree burn if they are experiencing the following:
- Fever
- Odor from the wound
- Dry mouth or eyes
- Extreme fatigue
- Dark yellow urine or urinating less than usual
- Headaches or dizziness
How are Burn Injuries Treated?
If a burn victim has any questions about care, they should always reach out to a medical professional. Additionally, if the burn is impacting a person’s ability to work, it should be evaluated by their doctor. Caring for a third-degree burn can take time and attention. Treatment can involve the following:
- Applying cream or ointment to burns with a cotton swab and applying a non-stick bandage to the burned area.
- Replacing bandages often.
- Applying gentle pressure if bleeding occurs at the burn site.
- Elevating the burned area above the heart as often as possible to reduce swelling.
- Wrapping the burned area with gauze with just the right amount of tension and avoiding restrictive blood flow.
- Avoiding blisters to reduce the risk of infection.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Burn Injury?
If a worker has a third-degree burn, it may involve a long recovery with surgery, skin graphing, pain medication, antibiotics, and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can be necessary when muscles and joints are impacted by the burn. A physical therapist can help those with serious burns to exercise and improvement movement. Sometimes, an employee with a third-degree burn cannot return to work at all or the same job.
An employee may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they have a job-related injury. For help with compensation, an injured worker should speak to a lawyer.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Employees with Serious Burn Injuries
If you are suffering from a serious burn because of a work accident, speak to a Downingtown workers’ compensation lawyer at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC to better understand your options. Employees in certain fields such as manufacturing may be more prone to severe burns than other workers. The category of your burn is important to know since it will impact your legal claim. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation today. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.