Oakland Burn Injury Attorney

Suffered a Burn Injury at Work?

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury while working, you understand the pain, frustration, and complications that can arise. Burn injuries, particularly in the workplace, can be debilitating, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we are dedicated to helping those who have suffered burn injuries in the workplace seek justice and the compensation they deserve. If you’ve experienced a burn injury on the job, having an experienced Oakland burn injury lawyer by your side can significantly improve the outcome of your case.

To schedule a free consultation, call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online today.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when the skin or other tissues are damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns are classified into three main categories based on the severity of the damage:

• First-Degree Burns: These are the least severe, affecting only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). The skin may appear red and swollen, but there is little or no long-term damage.
• Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend beyond the epidermis to the second layer of skin (dermis). They can cause severe pain, blistering, and swelling.
• Third-Degree Burns: The most severe type, third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and may affect deeper tissues, including muscles and bones. These burns often require surgical treatment, such as skin grafts, and can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.

In a workplace setting, burn injuries can range from minor first-degree burns to life-threatening third-degree burns. Regardless of the severity, a burn injury can have long-lasting effects, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries

Burn injuries in the workplace can result from a wide variety of accidents, depending on the type of industry and work environment. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries on the job include:

• Chemical Exposure: Many workplaces, such as factories, laboratories, and warehouses, involve the use of hazardous chemicals. Accidental spills or exposure to corrosive or flammable chemicals can cause serious burns.
• Fire or Explosion: Construction sites, kitchens, factories, and even offices can be at risk for fires or explosions. Workers may suffer burn injuries if they are exposed to an open flame, faulty electrical equipment, or volatile chemicals that ignite.
• Hot Surfaces and Equipment: Burn injuries can occur when workers come into contact with hot surfaces or machinery. This can include anything from touching a heated pipe in a factory to working near hot equipment in kitchens or industrial settings.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns happen when a worker comes into direct contact with an electrical source, such as exposed wiring or faulty electrical equipment. Electrical burns can be particularly dangerous as they may also result in cardiac arrest or internal injuries.
• Steam Burns: In industries where workers handle pressurized equipment, such as power plants or manufacturing facilities, steam burns can occur. A sudden release of hot steam can cause severe burns to exposed skin.
• Arc Flash Burns: Workers in the electrical, construction, and industrial sectors are often exposed to electrical arc flashes. These high-intensity bursts of electricity can result in severe burns, hearing loss, and vision damage.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. The severity of the burn, along with the type of treatment required, plays a significant role in determining the long-term consequences.

Physical Effects:

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Even after healing, burn victims are often left with permanent scars or disfigurement. Severe burns can lead to significant changes in appearance and may require cosmetic surgery or skin grafts.
• Loss of Function: Severe burns can result in the loss of mobility, particularly when they affect joints or muscles. Scarring and contractures can make it difficult for workers to perform certain tasks.
• Chronic Pain: Burn injuries often result in long-term pain. Even after the wound heals, the victim may experience ongoing discomfort, which may require pain management and physical therapy.

Psychological Effects:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Suffering a burn injury, especially in a traumatic workplace accident, can lead to PTSD. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, and flashbacks to the event.
• Body Image Issues: Burn victims, particularly those with visible scarring or disfigurement, often experience a loss of self-esteem and body image issues. These issues can lead to emotional distress and social withdrawal.

Financial Effects:

• Medical Costs: Treatment for burn injuries often involves extensive medical procedures, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. These costs can quickly add up, leading to significant financial strain.
• Lost Wages: Burn injuries can prevent workers from returning to their jobs for an extended period. This lost income can cause financial hardship for the worker and their family.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: In some cases, burn injuries may leave victims permanently unable to perform their previous job duties, resulting in reduced earning potential for the future.

Securing Workers' Compensation After a Burn Injury

If you suffer a burn injury in the workplace, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs incurred as a result of your injury. However, the process of securing workers' compensation can be complex, especially when dealing with a severe injury.

An experienced Oakland burn injury attorney from Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers can help you navigate the workers' compensation claims process, ensuring that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to. Our legal team will work closely with you to gather the necessary documentation, including medical records and witness statements, to support your claim.

Additionally, in cases where third-party negligence caused your burn injury, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit outside of workers' compensation. This could provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation—contact us at Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers by calling (888) 740-6434.