Work-Related Burn Injuries

New York City Workers’ Comp Lawyers Fight for Real Justice

Workplace burns can be dangerous and painful. Because the skin is the largest sensory organ that covers the body, even the smallest burn can leave lasting harm. Unfortunately, the number of burns that occur at the workplace is too high. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an average of 5,000 burn injuries occur every year in the United States. Of those numbers, at least 200 individuals die as a result. Employers and companies have a responsibility to protect their workers. At The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., we believe that negligent parties should be held accountable for any burn injuries that happen on the job.

Share your story with our NYC workers’ compensation attorneys—call (212) 577-9325 today.

Types of Burns That Occur on the Job

Burn injury risks are most pervasive in work sites such as construction zones, laboratories, plantations, and restaurants, to name a few. Employers should provide their employees with a safe environment and proper gear to prevent any burn injuries from occurring. When they do not adhere to safety regulations, they put everyone at risk. There are a number of ways burns can occur.

Common burns include:

  • Electrical burns – Electrical burns are most likely to happen on construction sites or when a technician is wiring something. These burns occur when an electrical current travels through the body. They can be especially dangerous because they may not always be visible.
  • Chemical burns – If corrosive liquids or acids touch the skin, they can eat away at it, causing chemical burns. Materials such as industrial cleaners and solvents will most likely cause such burn injuries.
  • Thermal burns – Thermal burns occur when some part of the body encounters a flame, hot objects, hot liquids, or an explosion. The damage can be extensive.

Although no burn injuries are the same, all of them require immediate attention. If not handled carefully, the damage can worsen. There are four different levels of burns that affect the body.

The four levels of burn injuries are:

  • First-degree burns – This burn refers to the damage that occurs on the outer layers of the skin, called the epidermis. This level is usually not that serious and only results in redness, irritation, and discomfort.
  • Second-degree burns – This burn is slightly more extensive than the previous. The damage affects both the epidermis and the second layer of skin, called the dermis. It may produce blisters or scarring.
  • Third-degree burns – This burn reaches the fatty layer underneath the dermis. It can penetrate deep enough to damage nerves.
  • Fourth-degree burns – This is the most serious of burns. These burns penetrate through the different levels of skin and can damage muscle tissues, tendons, and bones. If not treated carefully, it can be fatal.

Representation That Doesn’t Treat People Like Just a Number

Burn injuries on the job can be extremely painful and detrimental to one’s quality of life. OSHA sets standards and regulations to prevent such harm from occurring. However, not all employers adhere to what is required of them, leading to damage. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our New York City workers’ compensation attorneys today.

We have offices in New York and Long Island from which we can help! Call today to schedule a free consultation and let us fight on your behalf.