You do not expect to suffer a severe burn injury at work. Unfortunately, burns in the workplace are very common. They can happen for many reasons, but most often by heat, overexposure, or chemical contact. You might think you have nowhere to turn after a workplace injury. You will have medical treatments and time off work. This can cause significant financial strain on individuals.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical treatment and lost wages. While these benefits are available, they are not always easy to obtain. It’s best to speak to an Ohio workers’ compensation attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz. Discover workplace burn injuries, their causes, and complications. Understand Ohio’s workers’ compensation process and seek help from experienced burn injury attorneys at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz.
Burns can happen in any Ohio workplace. However, they are more common in some industries than others. You may have a higher chance of suffering a burn injury if you work in the following sectors:
Most of these places will have workers’ compensation insurance. They know they are dangerous workplaces and that burns are possible. Their policies should cover your losses. Remember, you can suffer burns in other workplaces. This is not an inclusive list. After an on-the-job burn, speak to an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
Working in a high-risk industry does not mean you will automatically suffer a burn injury. These injuries often happen from negligence or an accident. Hospital rooms see chemical burns and scalds more than other burn injuries. Some of the most common underlying causes of burns include:
All it takes is negligence and a few seconds for a burn. You can follow all procedures and be injured because someone else is negligent. In workers’ comp claims, negligence is not a factor in paying your losses. The key is that you suffer an injury while you are within the scope of your employment. Even so, negligence is essential to consider when assessing your legal options.
Burns have different categories that depend on the severity of the burn. The worse your burn is, the more medical intervention you may need. This can lead to exhaustive medical bills and financial losses. Your skin has several layers. The more profound the burn, the worse your injury.
First and second-degree burns are the most common and affect the top layers of skin. Third-degree burns will harm all layers of the skin. The worst burn you may suffer is a fourth-degree burn. This type of burn goes through the skin and body tissue.
Seeking medical attention is critical. Medical professionals can determine the severity of your burn and treatment plan before your injury worsens. Symptoms can show up immediately or take a few days. When you see signs of a burn, talk to a doctor and report the injury to your employer. You may require urgent medical care if you experience some of these symptoms:
Another concern with burns is infection. Even minor burns can lead to severe complications and death. You can suffer other complications from burns, including cancer. Focus on your healing and let our Ohio workers’ comp lawyers focus on getting you payment for your losses.
Treating burns is a painful process. Depending on the type of burn, you may need skin grafts, plastic surgery, and painful skin scrubbing. You are also at risk of suffering infections that can devastate your condition. Infectious diseases are common complications from burns. That is why you must get medical attention immediately. Recovery time for burns can last weeks, months, or years. If the burn is severe, you may never fully recover. You could experience lifelong scarring and impairments.
The workers’ compensation filing process should be straightforward. You would inform your employer that you suffered an injury. They will then complete the appropriate paperwork to send to her insurer. The insurance company will review it and reimburse you for your losses. That is how the system should work. It is supposed to help victims get the monetary support they need for an accident. It also protects employers from potential lawsuits.
What happens is an entirely different story. Workers compensation claims are regularly denied. Other times, the insurance company will diminish injury severity to pay less. Burn injuries can require plastic surgery or other costly and invasive treatments. Insurers will refuse to cover these recommended and necessary treatments. They will do so when the injury victim is vulnerable. That way, you are less likely to fight back. Ohio Tiger believes that you deserve to have your medical bills covered. We will fight for you and your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
While workers’ compensation is available for injury victims, sometimes, there is a third party who is responsible for your burn. This could be a subcontractor or product manufacturer. When that is the case, you may have different legal options available. Instead of a workers’ compensation claim, you could be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. This process is more complex as it involves proving the third party was negligent. Sometimes, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit and workers’ compensation claim. Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz can decipher the best route for you. We represent clients who suffer burns and other injuries on the job.
While the workers’ compensation system should work for you, it may not. You have legal rights and options. Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you. Our Ohio burn injury lawyer will review your case and begin preparing to pursue compensation. We will negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation. If you suffer a burn injury at work, speak to the Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz by calling 937-222-2222 for an initial consultation.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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