What to Do If You Are Severely Burned at Work

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), more than 5,000 people are hospitalized due to burns suffered at work. Some burn injuries are so severe that they require surgery, physical therapy, and extensive rehabilitation. Workers who suffer burns at work should take the following steps so they can collect the compensation they deserve through either a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.

Cool The Burn

Place the burned area under cool running water for 10 or 15 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If the burn is in an area of the body that can’t easily be placed under running water, cover it with a cold compress, moist bandage, or towel. Cooling the burn will reduce the swelling.

Use a Sterile Gauze Bandage

It’s important to avoid getting lint in the burn wound, which is why you should not use a fluffy cotton bandage to wrap the injured area. Avoid putting pressure on burned skin and wrap the gauze loosely to keep air off the burn, reduce the pain, and protect the skin from blistering.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Minor burns will usually heal without additional treatment. The burn area might heal with pigment changes, so the color of the healed area might look different from the surrounding skin. Pay attention to signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, fever, swelling, or oozing. Immediately seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen.

Report The injury

Employees who suffer severe burns at work are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical and physical therapy bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and about two-thirds of lost wages. If you’re burned on the job, you should get immediate medical attention and report the injury to your supervisor or HR department.

Consult with a Burn Injury Lawyer

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we know that serious burn injuries that occur in the workplace can be traumatizing, whether they are caused by worker negligence or defective equipment. That is why we are committed to using our skills and resources to help clients pursue the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. Our lawyers passionately advocate for the rights of burn injury victims so they can obtain full and fair compensation. We are prepared to assist if you or a loved one need qualified legal guidance regarding a burn injury case.

To schedule a free case consultation with our top-notch legal team, please call (800) 462-7160 today or fill out our online form.

Categories