Arizonans who sustain workplace burn injuries should be able to recover compensation for their losses. This includes not only coverage of any medical expenses related to the on-the-job injury, but also a major portion of lost wages if the individual is unable to work and even possibly long term disability benefits. A recent study indicates that approximately 14% of all burn accidents happen in the workplace, so these incidents are more common than most people realize.
Common Types of Workplace Burn Injuries
Workplace environments across various industries expose employees to risks of burn injuries. Understanding the types of burns that can occur is crucial for both prevention and appropriate response. Below are the common types of burn injuries found in workplaces:
- Chemical Burns. These injuries result from skin or eye contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, and other industrial chemicals. Such burns often occur in environments where workers handle or are exposed to industrial cleaners and chemicals. Protective measures and proper labeling are vital to prevent these injuries .
- Thermal Burns. Exposure to excessive heat from hot liquids, steam, open flames, or hot surfaces can lead to thermal burns. This type of injury is prevalent in industries like food service and manufacturing, where contact with heated objects is common. Employing personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response strategies is essential for prevention and mitigation .
- Electrical Burns. These occur when an individual comes into direct contact with an electrical source, causing the electrical current to travel through the body. Such burns are a significant risk in the construction and electrical industries. Marking high-voltage areas and using PPE when handling electricity can help reduce the risk of electrical burns.
Each type of burn varies in severity, classified from first-degree (least severe) to fourth-degree (most severe), affecting not just the skin but potentially muscles, fat, and even bones in the most extreme cases. The degree of a burn injury impacts the treatment required and the potential for recovery. Employers are responsible for providing safe working environments for employees, including training, safety equipment, and emergency response plans to protect their workers from these serious injuries .
Compensation After an Arizona Workplace Burn
Workplace burn injury victims in Arizona should be able to receive compensation for a range of expenses through state workers’ compensation benefits.
First and foremost, on the job burn injury victims should be able to receive complete coverage of all medical expenses related to the injury. Individuals continue to receive medical coverage until their treating physician deems that they have reached what is called maximum medical improvement, or MMI.
Additionally, if a doctor determines that a person cannot work their normal job while recovering, they may be able to receive temporary disability benefits to make up for some of the lost earnings. This can include temporary total disability (TTD) benefits that pay approximately 2/3 of the person’s average monthly wage from before the injury. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits could be available to individuals who are able to return to work but cannot earn as much as before.
Permanent disability benefits could be available in certain situations, including cases of extreme disability caused by the injury. Finally, individuals may be able to receive permanent disability benefits for disfigurement. It’s recommended to contact a burn injury attorney in Phoenix for more information.