Quincy Burn Injury Lawyers

Protecting Workers Suffering from Burn Injuries in Massachusetts

Did you know that burn injuries are the second most common workplace injury? In fact, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), more than 5,000 workers seek medical treatment for burn injuries sustained at work each year. Unfortunately, 200 of these are fatal.

If you’re burned at work, you may have to:

• Take time off work for an extended period of time
• Pay for hefty medical bills
• You may even be left permanently disabled

Fortunately, your burn injury could be covered by workers’ compensation.

To find out more about your rights, contact an experienced Quincy burn injury lawyer today; call Powers & Caccavale at (617) 379-0016 for a free consultation.

Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the extent and depth of the burn. These injuries are typically classified into three categories:

• First-Degree Burns: Affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and cause redness, pain, and swelling. While painful, these burns typically heal without long-term damage.
• Second-degree burns Penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. These burns cause blisters and severe pain and can lead to scarring and infections.
• Third-Degree Burns: The most severe type, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially the tissues beneath. These burns can cause permanent damage, including nerve loss, scarring, and disability. They often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Given the potential for severe complications, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately after suffering a burn injury in the workplace. The sooner you begin the legal process, the better your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation available under the law.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Burn Injuries?

There are several common types of work-related burn injuries.

These include:

Chemical Burns in the Workplace

Chemical burns can happen when corrosive compounds—such as acids, solvents, thinning agents, and oxidizers—come into contact with your skin, ears, or eyes.

This can lead to:

• Itching
• Pain and numbness
• Whitening or reddening of the skin
• And blistering

It’s important to seek medical attention right away for chemical burns, since some chemicals can continue to burn into deeper layers of tissue.

Workers at risk of chemical burns include those employed in the:

• Manufacturing
• Medical
• Maintenance
• And laboratory fields

Electrical Burns: Risks and Prevention

Electrical burns can occur when you come into contact with high voltage electricity. This can happen if you touch an electrical socket wire, fall into electrified water, or get struck by lightning. Do not apply ice, ointment, or anything else to these types of burns. Electricians and those who work with industrial machinery are the most at risk of electrical burns.

Thermal Burns: Causes and Safety Measures

Thermal burns can happen when you come into contact with fire, boiling liquids, steam, or hot objects. Thermal burns can happen in nearly every workplace, especially kitchens and restaurants.

Are Workers’ Comp Benefits Available to Burn Victims?

If you get burned at work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could receive compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy
• A portion of your lost wages
• Out-of-pocket expenses (medications, bandages, wheelchairs, etc.)

Get Legal Help from Our Quincy Burn Injury Lawyer Today

At Powers & Caccavale, we know just how much a workplace burn injury can affect your life. Some burn victims need years to recover from deep tissue damage, which means expensive treatment and both physical and emotional trauma. That’s why our Quincy burn injury lawyers are determined to get you the compensation you deserve.  

Every workplace burn injury is different, so to learn more about your individual case, fill out our free case evaluation form or call our Quincy burn injury attorney at (617) 379-0016 today.