Workplace burns can have significant physical, emotional and economic consequences. Often, hospitalization and surgery are necessary to restore the health of the person burned, resulting in considerable health-care costs and missed days of work. Importantly, though, a New York burn injury lawyer can help people who suffered work-related burn injuries obtain compensation to help cover the costs resulting from the incident.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that approximately 183,000 work-related burn injuries occur in the U.S. every year. And, of all burn injuries that require hospitalization, 42 percent are caused by workplace accidents, the study said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that several types of burns may occur at work, including:
- Thermal burns resulting from exposure to very hot things like flames, steam, overheated equipment or ignited clothing.
- Electrical burns resulting from heat generated by the flow of electric current through the body.
- Chemical burns resulting from exposure to chemical agents like acids or alkalis that corrode the skin.
Because they work near or with extremely hot objects, chemicals or electrical currents, workers in certain industries are more likely to suffer burn injuries at work, including:
- Cooks and kitchen workers
- Electricians
- Construction workers
- Foundry and metal workers
- Roofers
- Laboratory workers
- Firefighters
Employer's Responsibility to Prevent Work-Related Burn Injuries
All employers are required to follow workplace fire-safety regulations set by OSHA and to provide employees with appropriate protective equipment, if necessary. Buildings must have fire escapes that are clear of obstructions and properly marked. In addition, protective gear given to employees must be functional, and equipment must be properly maintained to avoid the risk of burns from malfunctioning equipment.
If an employer exposes its employees to an unreasonable risk of harm from burns, and an employee suffers a burn injury as a result, the injured worker may be able to make an injury claim against the employer. If successful, the injured worker may obtain monetary compensation for his or her:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages or reduction in earning ability caused by the burn
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
A New York City workplace injury lawyer can help people who suffered burns in the workplace — whether they are firefighters, chemists or other workers — in their fight to obtain compensation for their injuries and related expenses. If you were burned in a workplace accident, contact a personal injury attorney with experience in burn injury cases to discuss any legal claims you may have.
