A workplace injury can disrupt your life and finances. But burn injuries are especially devastating due to the intense pain, long-term recovery needs, and potential for permanent scarring. If you've suffered a burn injury on the job in San Antonio, this blog post can help you understand common causes, high-risk workplaces, and the importance of seeking legal counsel.
The Severity of Work-Related Burns
Burns are classified by degree, with first-degree being the least severe and third-degree the most.
- First-degree burns: These burns affect only the top layer of skin and cause redness, pain, and swelling.
- Second-degree burns: These burns penetrate deeper, causing blistering, intense pain, and possible scarring.
- Third-degree burns: These are the most severe, destroying both the top and underlying layers of skin. They can involve nerve damage, muscle or bone damage, and leave permanent scarring.
Understanding Burn Degrees
The severity of a burn injury determines the treatment needed and the potential for long-term effects. Burns can lead to:
- Infection: Burns create open wounds susceptible to infection, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Loss of function: Severe burns can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves, leading to mobility limitations.
- Scarring: Burns often leave permanent scarring, which can be both physically and emotionally challenging.
- Psychological trauma: The experience of a burn injury is often traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries
Beyond the initial pain and discomfort, burn injuries can have lasting consequences. These include:
- Physical scarring: Burns can leave permanent scars, which can be both physically and emotionally debilitating.
- Loss of mobility: Depending on the location and severity of the burn, you may experience limited range of motion or even amputation.
- Infection: Burns are highly susceptible to infection, which can further complicate healing and recovery.
- Psychological trauma: The experience of a burn injury can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Common Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries
Several factors can contribute to burn injuries on the job:
Thermal Burns (Fire, Hot Liquids, Steam)
These are the most common type of work-related burn and can be caused by exposure to open flames, hot liquids or metals, and scalding steam. Common scenarios include accidents involving welding equipment, hot machinery, and spills of hot liquids.
Chemical Burns
These occur when skin comes into contact with corrosive chemicals. Chemical burns can be very serious and require immediate medical attention. Industries such as manufacturing, cleaning, and agriculture are particularly susceptible to chemical burns.
Electrical Burns
These are caused by contact with electricity and can damage internal organs as well as the skin. Electrical burns can also lead to cardiac arrest and other life-threatening complications. Electrical burns often occur in construction, maintenance, and electrical trades.
High-Risk Workplaces for Burn Injuries in San Antonio
Certain industries in San Antonio have a higher risk of burn injuries due to the nature of the work performed. If you work in one of these fields, be extra vigilant about workplace safety:
Construction Sites
Construction workers encounter open flames from welding, hot asphalt, and electrical hazards. Additionally, burns can occur from contact with hot tools, machinery, or even steam from pressurized pipes.
Restaurants and Kitchens
Restaurant kitchens expose workers to hot ovens, fryers, boiling liquids, and steam, leading to potential burns. Furthermore, spills, scalding water, and contact with hot cooking surfaces can also cause burns.
Manufacturing Facilities
Manufacturing involves high heat processes, molten metals, and caustic chemicals, increasing burn risks. In addition, workers may be exposed to hot machinery, sparks, and hot materials during manufacturing processes.
Oil and Gas Industry
Oilfield workers face risks from fires, explosions, and exposure to hot liquids and gases. Moreover, burns can occur from contact with hot equipment, pipelines, or chemicals used in the industry.
What to Do After a Work-Related Burn Injury
you suffer a burn injury at work, take immediate action:
- Seek medical attention: This is crucial for proper treatment and documentation of your injury.
- Report the accident: Inform your supervisor about the incident as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence: Document the scene, take photos of your injuries, and collect witness statements if available.
- Contact a San Antonio Work Comp Lawyer: An attorney can guide you through the workers' compensation process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Consider Legal Options with a San Antonio Burn Injury Lawyer
If your burn injury was caused by employer negligence or a faulty product, you may be entitled to compensation beyond worker's compensation. A San Antonio burn injury lawyer from Falcon Law Group, PLLC can help you:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is liable.
- Navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims.
- Fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Falcon Law Group, PLLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardship burn injuries cause. We are committed to protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at 516-618-0411. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a fair settlement.
