Burn Injuries at Work in Gastonia, North Carolina
Suffering burn injuries at work can be both painful and overwhelming. Burn victims often face long recovery times, costly medical treatment, and time away from work. If you were burned while doing your job in North Carolina, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
A Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Getting workers’ compensation benefits after a burn isn’t always simple. Employers or insurance companies may try to delay or deny your claim.
With the right legal help, you can focus on healing while your attorney handles the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations needed to secure the benefits you’re owed. Contact 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation!
Common Workplace Burn Injuries
Burn injuries at work can range from superficial first-degree burns affecting only the top layer of skin to severe full-thickness burns that damage the epidermis, dermis, and potentially underlying tissues.
Common types of burn injuries in the workplace include thermal, electrical, chemical, and radiation burns.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury in the workplace. They occur when the skin comes into contact with hot surfaces, flames, steam, or scalding liquids. Workers in industries such as manufacturing, food service, and construction are particularly at risk. A restaurant employee might suffer a thermal burn from hot oil, while a construction worker could be burned by heated equipment.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns happen when an electric current passes through the body, generating heat and causing tissue damage. These injuries are common among electricians, utility workers, and those working with heavy machinery. Electrical burns can be particularly dangerous because they may cause internal injuries that are not immediately visible.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or solvents. Workers in laboratories, cleaning services, and manufacturing plants are often exposed to hazardous chemicals. Proper handling and protective equipment are essential to prevent these types of injuries.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns result from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, or other forms of radiation. These burns are common in medical settings, such as radiology departments, and in industries that use UV light for curing processes. Prolonged exposure without adequate protection can lead to serious skin damage.
What to Do After a Burn Injury at Work
If you suffer a burn injury at work, taking immediate and appropriate action is crucial for your health and for preserving your rights under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws.
Report the Injury
Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible. In North Carolina, you must report a workplace injury within 30 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Provide details about how, when, and where the injury occurred.
Seek Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is essential for burn injuries. Depending on the severity, you may need emergency care or specialized treatment. Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments. Your medical records will play a significant role in your workers’ compensation claim.
Generally, the employer or the insurance company has the right to choose the doctor or healthcare provider for injured workers. You can go to the emergency room if you need immediate care for a serious injury.
Document the Accident
Keep detailed records of the incident, including photographs of the injury, witness statements, and any correspondence with your employer. This documentation can support your claim and help establish the circumstances of the injury.
Contact a Gastonia Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Consulting with an experienced Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, ensure all paperwork is filed correctly, and advocate for your rights. An attorney can also assist if your claim is denied or if you encounter any issues with your employer or insurance company.
Workers’ Compensation for Burn Injuries in North Carolina
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides various benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries, including burn injuries. Understanding these benefits can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and financial stability.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment related to your burn injury. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any specialized care required for recovery. You must receive treatment from healthcare providers authorized by your employer or their insurance company.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If your burn injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may be eligible for Temporary Total Disability benefits. TTD provides compensation equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by the state. These benefits continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If you can return to work but in a limited capacity or with reduced hours, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability benefits. These benefits compensate for the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current earnings.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
In cases where a burn injury leads to permanent impairment, you may receive Permanent Partial Disability benefits. The compensation amount and how long PPD benefits last depend on the severity of the impairment and the affected body part.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If your burn injury results in a total and permanent inability to work, you may be entitled to Permanent Total Disability benefits. These benefits provide ongoing compensation to support you financially when returning to any form of employment is not possible.
How a Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex, especially when dealing with serious injuries like burns. An experienced Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process.
Filing Your Claim
An attorney can help you complete and submit all necessary paperwork accurately and on time. They ensure that your claim includes all relevant medical documentation and complies with North Carolina’s legal requirements.
Maximizing Your Benefits
A lawyer can advocate for the full range of benefits you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairments. They work to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available under the law.
Appealing a Denied Claim
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, a Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer from 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers can represent you throughout the appeals process. This may involve:
- Filing a formal appeal with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC)
- Gathering additional evidence, including expert medical testimony, to strengthen your case
- Presenting your case at a hearing
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Challenging improper medical opinions that might have led to your denial
Workers’ compensation appeals can be intimidating and time-consuming. Having a skilled legal advocate on your side significantly increases your chances of success.
FAQs About Burn Injuries and Workers’ Comp
Can I choose my doctor for a burn injury at work?
In most cases, your employer or their insurance provider will choose your doctor. However, you can request a change of physician if you believe you’re not receiving appropriate care. A Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyer can help with this request.
Additionally, you can go to the emergency room if you need immediate treatment for a serious injury.
Can I sue my employer for a burn injury at work?
Generally, workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy, meaning you cannot sue your employer for workplace injuries. However, there are some exceptions, such as intentional harm or gross negligence. Additionally, if a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was responsible for the injury, you might be able to file a third-party liability claim.
What are the degrees of burn injuries?
Burn injuries are often classified into degrees based on their severity. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They usually cause redness, mild swelling, and pain—similar to a sunburn.
Second-degree burns go deeper, damaging both the outer layer and the layer underneath (dermis). These burns often cause blisters, severe pain, and swelling.
Third-degree burns are the most serious, destroying all layers of the skin and possibly affecting tissue, muscle, or bone. The area may look white, charred, or leathery, and these burns often cause numbness due to nerve damage.
Why Choose Our Gastonia Work Injury Lawyers?
At 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on standing up for injured workers in Gastonia and across North Carolina. When you’re facing a serious injury like a workplace burn, you need more than just legal advice. You need a team that truly cares.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Personalized attention to your case
- Deep knowledge of North Carolina workers’ compensation laws
- Aggressive advocacy to protect your rights and your financial future
- Clear communication so you’re never left in the dark
- No fees unless we win; you pay nothing upfront.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that burn injuries can take. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, struggling with medical costs, or unsure how to move forward, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-changing workplace injuries a person can suffer. Don’t navigate the workers’ compensation process alone. Let an experienced Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer fight for the benefits and medical care you need to rebuild your life.
At 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping injured workers in North Carolina. Call (704) 706-2689 or contact us online for a free case review today.
