New Jersey Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Claims

Burns are not only excruciatingly painful, but they can also result in serious medical complications and cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. While many people suffer burns in their own homes, studies suggest that up to 45 percent of all burn injuries occur at the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that there were at least 5,000 reported cases of workplace-related burn injuries each year. If you have suffered burn injuries while on the job, the experienced New Jersey Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help. With over 35 years of hands-on experience helping injured employees obtain workers’ compensation benefits across all industries, we know what it takes to pursue the compensation and benefits you need and deserve after an on-the-job accident.

Which Workers Suffer the Most Burn Injuries?

In theory, almost any job could put you at risk of a burn injury, for example, by coming into contact with a poorly wired electrical outlet. However, certain workers have a much higher risk of experiencing a workplace burn injury. According to a 2015 study looking at data from 2007, there were a total of 103,500 burn injuries that required Emergency Room treatment. Shockingly, about 60 percent of these injuries occurred in just four industries:

• Accommodation and food services
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Health care and social assistance

The other industries that presented a high rate of burn injuries included retail, education, transportation and warehousing, and agriculture. Regardless of your job, if you suffered a burn injury while on the clock, the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help you understand your rights and all the benefits you are entitled to.

Types of Burn Injuries Common in the Workplace

Burn injuries are unique in that they can occur in many different ways. Of course, when most people think about burns, they understandably assume that the injuries were the result of fire or coming into contact with a hot surface. These are referred to as “thermal burns.” Thermal burns account for a large number of work-related burn injuries. A recent study suggests that about 60 percent of all workplace burn injuries are due to thermal burns. However, the other common causes of workplace burns include:

• Chemical burns – Chemical burns are those caused by exposure to a toxic or otherwise harmful substance. Initially, a chemical burn may not appear serious and may not even be painful. However, over time, the skin will often turn red, and the area will become tender.
• Electrical burns – Electrical burns are caused by exposure to electrical current. When an electrical current enters the body, the current slows down, causing heat to build up. This can cause severe internal organ damage to the heart and brain, as well as other organs.
• Radiation burns – Radiation burns result from prolonged exposure to radiation and are often the result of over-exposure to medical imaging technology. The severity of a radiation burn depends on the type of radiation and the level of exposure.
• Scalding burns – Scalding burns are caused by “wet” heat, such as boiling water or steam. These burns are widespread in the foodservice and hospitality industry.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, our New Jersey Burn Injury Lawyers have unique experience handling workers’ compensation claims after a workplace burn accident. We can help you understand your rights and how to pursue them effectively.

Can I Obtain Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Workplace Burn Injury?

If you suffered an on-the-job burn injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The New Jersey workers’ compensation program allows injured workers to obtain coverage for all reasonably necessary medical care and income-replacement benefits while recovering from their injuries.

Unlike in a personal injury case, you do not need to show that anyone else was at fault for your injuries to bring a workers’ compensation claim successfully. Instead, you need to show that your injuries were either caused at work or the result of your work. For example, if you first noticed a chemical burn while at home, you may still receive workers’ comp benefits if you were exposed at work.

Typically, a workers’ compensation claim is an injured employee’s sole remedy against their employer. This means that, unless your employer willfully caused your injuries or was grossly negligent, you cannot sue them. Instead, you would bring a workers’ compensation claim. However, if an accident was caused by a negligent party other than your employer (i.e., a third party), you can still pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent third party. Whenever possible, it is ideal to bring both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party personal injury claim because personal injury cases allow you to recover for your non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering), while workers’ compensation claims do not.

Contact a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm for Immediate Assistance

If you recently suffered an on-the-job burn injury, reach out to the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to discuss your case. We offer all prospective clients a free consultation during which we will answer all your questions and explain the process in terms you will understand. We recognize the difficult situation you find yourself in after a workplace accident and are here to help you through every step of the way. We have over 35 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims and have developed a tried-and-true approach to efficiently resolving our clients’ cases so they can get the benefits they need in as little time as possible. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a New Jersey Burn Injury lawyer at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, call 973-920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is no risk in calling because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.