Do You Get Compensation If You Get Burned at Work?

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Following a workplace accident where you receive burns, you undoubtedly have several questions flying through your mind.

Those questions can range from should you work with a burn injury law firm in Columbus, Ohio to will you even be able to receive any kind of compensation following the accident. Below, we answer a few questions related to if you will receive any kind of compensation following an accident where you are burned at work.

Disclaimer: The following is no legal advice. It is general information meant to educate. Consult with a lawyer with relevant experience for your individual case and questions.

Can I Receive Compensation If I Get Burned at Work?

The long and short answer here is yes. If you are injured at work, you do have grounds to receive compensation.

Typically, an employee who is hurt at work will be eligible for workers compensation which can include coverage of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages.

Worker’s compensation may differ slightly depending on the industry that you are working in, but you will usually be able to file a claim following the accident. And if for some reason your workplace does not have worker’s compensation, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

A personal injury lawsuit will allow you to file a claim against your employer based on their negligence within the workplace that resulted in your burn.

This kind of lawsuit seeks damages for you following an injury, including economic and non-economic damages.

What Should I do If I Get Burned at Work?

Following an accident of any kind, there are a few different steps you should take as soon as possible – including taking care of yourself in the aftermath of an injury.

1.       Get Medical Attention

First and foremost, seek medical attention. Even if you feel like the burn, you received is not all that serious, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as you can. A medical professional will be able to look over the burn and any other injuries you may have received to determine the extent of your injuries. Burns can range in severity, from minor to major.

The medical professional will also document your burn and any associated injuries as well.

2.       File an Accident Report

Be sure to file an accident report. Typically, this will need to be done with your employer and there may be an associated deadline that you have to meet as well in terms of filing the report.

Be sure to keep a copy of the report for yourself as well. This will serve evidence in your case – whether you file workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit.

3.       Identify Any Witnesses

Identifying any witnesses that saw what happened can help to increase your chances of proving your claim. Be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses that were around before, during, and after the accident.

4.       Gather Relevant Evidence

Much like identifying any witnesses can help prove your claim, gathering relevant evidence can also help prove your claim. As soon as you are able to, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include taking pictures of where you were burned, what burned you, and any other hazards in the area.

Take detailed notes, photos, and write down things that you see and what you remember about the accident in as much detail as possible.

5.       Speak with a Lawyer

Consult with a catastrophic injury law firm in Columbus, Ohio on the best way to approach a workplace accident that results in your injuries. They will be able to provide you with legal advice, representation, and ensure that you understand the legal proceedings once they start.

What Damages Can I Claim if I’m Burned at Work?

The last thing we will discuss are the different kind of damages that you may be able to claim following your burn accident at work. These damages include:

·         Medical costs – both current and future

·         Lost income – both current and future

·         Pain and suffering

·         Punitive damages

The amount of damages that you may receive can depend on a range of factors including the degree of your injuries and your ability to prove that your employer was negligent.

About the Author

Heit Law, LLC is a car accident law firm based in Columbus, Ohio. With a specialization in personal injury, Heit Law is suited to assisting clients in Columbus and surrounding areas with injuries that result from work accidents, car accidents, dog bites, and even cases where an involved party may be uninsured. Corey Heit, founder of Heit Law, has dedicated his entire practice to helping injury victims across the board.