Workplace Burn Injuries in Greensboro NC

If you suffer a burn injury at work, do not hesitate to contact Ward Black Law. You could be entitled to monetary benefits from a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both.

Workers’ compensation can provide benefits to cover medical care, lost wages, and other expenses after an occupational burn. A personal injury claim could also provide money for pain, suffering, and other losses. Our Greensboro workplace burn lawyers can help you demand the benefits you are owed.

We have represented injured workers for over 30 years and are ready to protect your rights after a work-related burn injury. Call or contact us online for your free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help.

Why You Need Help from Our Greensboro Workplace Burn Lawyers

Handling a workplace injury claim can be challenging, especially when you’re struggling to recover from painful burns. At Ward Black Law, we can take the pressure off you by handling all aspects of your claim and seeking maximum compensation for you.

When you reach out to us for help, we can explain your legal rights and advise you of your potential benefits. Then, we can file a claim on your behalf and submit strong evidence to prove your injury. You can also count on us to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and keep the process moving forward to avoid unnecessary delays.

Types and Severity of Workplace Burn Injuries

The most common types of burn injuries include:

• Electrical burns – An electrical burn can result from a product defect or direct contact with an electrical source.
• Thermal burns – Exposure to flames, heat sources, steam, or hot objects can lead to thermal burns.
• Chemical burns – A chemical burn can occur due to physical contact with ammonia, bleach, or other corrosive substances.
• Arc or flash burns – Electrical energy traveling to an area of low resistance from an area of high resistance can cause an arc burn, even if there is no direct contact with the electrical source.

The severity of a burn injury depends on the extent of the damage and the source of the injury. Burns fall under three primary classifications:

• First-degree burns – A first-degree burn is a superficial injury that causes damage to the outer layer of the skin.
• Second-degree burns – A second-degree burn can damage multiple layers of skin and leave blisters that form scars after healing.
• Third-degree burns – A third-degree burn penetrates every skin layer and sometimes damages nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Common Causes of Burns in the Workplace

Fires aren’t the only source of burn injuries. Burns can occur under many different circumstances, such as:

• Radiation exposure from UV lights, X-rays, and sun lamps
• Electrical shock from exposure to electrical sources
• Spilled coffee and other scalding liquids on the skin
• Exposure to toxic chemicals in solid, liquid, or gas form
• Contact with stoves or other hot equipment in kitchens or factories

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Workers Suffering Burns

Workers’ compensation can cover your medical care and replace part of your lost income if you sustain a burn at work. Medical benefits from a workers’ comp claim can pay for necessary medical care and certain incidental costs, such as travel expenses for doctor’s appointments.

If a burn injury forces you to miss time at work, you could also claim disability benefits, such as:

• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – TPD payments are available if you can only work in a limited capacity after an occupational injury. You can get up to two-thirds of the difference between the average weekly wages you earn before and after the injury in TPD benefits.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – TTD benefits cover up to two-thirds of the average weekly wages you earned before the accident. You can receive TTD benefits if you can’t work for a certain period after your burn injury.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If you have a long-term impairment even after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), you could claim PPD benefits. PPD benefits pay up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage multiplied by a certain number of weeks. The number of weeks PPD benefits are available depends on the location of your injury and an impairment rating from your doctor.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) – If you suffer a severe burn injury that renders you unable to work now and in the future, you could claim PTD benefits, sometimes for life.

Potential Third-Party Claims Over Workplace Burns

In some cases, you can file a third-party injury claim in addition to or instead of a workers’ comp claim. Examples of non-employer third parties that could be liable for job-related injuries include:

• Contractors or subcontractors
• Maintenance workers
• Property or building owners
• Manufacturers or sellers of defective equipment, materials, or tools

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in North Carolina?

You must file your workers’ comp claim within two years. If you want to sue a third party for the accident, North Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you a three-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your case, so it’s a good idea to get a lawyer’s help as soon as possible after an occupational burn injury.

What to Do After Getting Burned at Work

You must see an employer-approved healthcare professional for treatment to stay eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after a burn at work. Except in emergencies, you could end up paying for your treatment out of pocket if you see another provider.

You’ll also need to report the injury to your employer within 30 days. Always submit your report in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Maintaining documentation of your injury is another excellent way to build your case. You can keep a journal to record your symptoms, pain levels, and other consequences of your burn injuries. You should also keep copies of your medical records and bills as proof of your injuries and related losses.

You can best protect your rights and improve your claim after a burn injury by working with the knowledgeable team at Ward Black Law. We can help you navigate the complicated claims process and support you through this challenging experience.