A burn injury at work can be painful, traumatic, and life-altering. Whether it’s a first-degree burn from hot machinery or a serious electrocution caused by faulty wiring, knowing your rights is crucial to protecting your health and your future.
At DM Injury Law, we help injured workers pursue the compensation for burn injury claims they’re entitled to, so they can focus on healing while we focus on the legal fight.
Common Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries
Thermal, chemical, and electrical burns are the most common types reported in workplace settings. Between 2011 and 2023, electrocution alone caused almost 2,000 workplace fatalities. Burns at work can result from a wide range of hazards, including:
- Open flames or explosions
- Steam or boiling liquids
- Electrical burns from faulty wiring or uninsulated equipment
- Exposure to corrosive chemicals or cleaning agents
- Contact with hot surfaces or heated machinery
Industries Most at Risk for Burn Injuries
Burns can happen in any job, but they are especially common in:
- Construction and electrical work
High voltage wiring, arc flashes, and exposed circuits put workers at serious risk for electrical burn injuries. - Food service and hospitality
Contact with grease, steam, or industrial kitchen equipment often results in scald burns and other minor to moderate injuries. - Manufacturing and chemical plants
Chemical splashes and overheating machinery frequently lead to chemical burns and thermal injuries. - Laboratories and medical facilities
Exposure to hazardous substances and sterilizing equipment can cause long-lasting skin damage.
Types of Burn Injuries (and What They Mean for Compensation)
First-degree burns
First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer. Often recover quickly but may still qualify for compensation if medical care or time off is needed.
Second-degree burns
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, often resulting in blisters, pain, and extended recovery.
Third-degree burns
Third-degree burns, the most severe type, often cause nerve damage, permanent scarring, and even disability.
More serious injuries may lead to burn injury compensation claims that cover long-term care, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Continue Reading: The Degrees of Burns
Legal Options After Being Burned at Work
Workers’ Compensation
Most employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. If you’re burned at work, this coverage should help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Disability or rehabilitation
- Necessary travel for treatment
You don’t have to prove fault, but you do need to follow procedures and deadlines.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
If someone other than your employer, such as a third-party contractor, was responsible, you may be able to file a burn injury lawsuit. This route can result in additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers.
What to Do After a Burn Injury at Work
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the injury to your employer or HR.
- Document the scene if it is safe to do so (photos, witnesses, etc.).
- File a claim for burn at work compensation.
- Speak to a burn injury attorney to explore your full legal options.
Protecting Yourself: Preventing Burn Hazards
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Don’t ignore frayed wires or damaged tools. Report and remove them.
- Participate in regular OSHA-compliant safety training.
- Be aware of burn severity levels and know when to seek help.
- Follow all roadmap protocols for lab or electrical work.
Your employer is legally responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. If they fail to do so, and you suffer injury, they may be held liable for inadequate workplace safety.
FAQ: Burn Injury at Work
What are the most common causes of burn injuries at work?
Hot surfaces, open flames, electrical faults, scalding liquids, and chemical exposure are among the top causes of workplace burn injuries.
Does workers’ compensation cover all types of burns?
Yes, most work-related burns (thermal, chemical, or electrical) are covered by workers’ compensation.
How much compensation can I get for a burn injury at work?
Compensation depends on the burn’s severity, your recovery time, and whether you can return to work. Burn injury compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Learn about your rights if you suffer a permanent disability due to a workplace injury.
What are my rights if my employer was negligent?
If unsafe conditions or lack of training contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.
Can I sue for being electrocuted at work?
If a third party was at fault, for example, a contractor or equipment manufacturer, a burn injury lawsuit may be possible.
Let DM Injury Law Fight for Your Rights
If you’ve suffered a burn injury at work, you may be facing a long road to recovery, but you’re not alone. Whether your injuries qualify for first-degree burn compensation or require long-term medical care, you deserve to be protected legally and financially.
At DM Injury Law, we’re proud to help clients recover fair and full compensation through workers’ comp or personal injury claims. We’ve seen the lasting effects of workplace burns and know how to fight for your future.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your legal options after being burned at work.
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