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Workplace burn injuries are more than an inconvenience. They can lead to long-lasting pain and suffering and even disabilities or disfigurement. Regardless of the industry, burn injuries can occur during work duties. However, there are certainly some industries that pose more burn risks than others. Here, we want to briefly review the main ways that burn injuries happen on the job in Arizona.
Burn injuries at work can result from various hazards, depending on the industry and specific job duties. Some of the most common causes of work-related burn injuries include:
Thermal burns. These burns occur due to contact with hot surfaces, flames, or scalding liquids. Workers in industries such as construction, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and food service are particularly at risk of thermal burns from equipment, hot liquids, or open flames.
Chemical burns. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause severe burns, particularly if the skin or eyes come into direct contact with the substance. Workers in laboratories, cleaning services, or manufacturing plants may encounter dangerous chemicals that can lead to chemical burns if proper safety precautions are not followed.
Electrical burns. These burns occur when a worker comes into contact with an electrical current. Electricians, construction workers, and those working with electrical equipment are most at risk. Electrical burns can be particularly severe, often causing deep tissue damage and complications such as heart arrhythmias.
Radiation burns. Exposure to high radiation levels can result in burns. Workers in healthcare, particularly those handling radiological equipment, and employees in nuclear power plants may be at risk for radiation burns if they are exposed without proper protective gear.
Friction burns. Caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface, friction burns are common in jobs that involve handling machinery or materials that can cause skin abrasion. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation may experience friction burns if they are not using proper protective equipment.
Burn injuries are classified into degrees based on the severity of the damage:
First-degree burns. These burns affect just the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and usually cause redness, swelling, and mild pain. First-degree burns are often minor and can heal within a week without significant medical intervention.
Second-degree burns. These burns are more severe, affecting both the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer (dermis). Second-degree burns cause more intense pain, swelling, and blistering. These burns may require medical treatment and can lead to scarring.
Third-degree burns. These severe burns penetrate all layers of the skin and may extend into deeper tissues. Third-degree burns can lead to the skin appearing white, blackened, or charred and may destroy nerve endings, leading to numbness. These severe burns often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, and can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Fourth-degree burns. The most catastrophic, these burns extend beyond the skin into muscle and bone. Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and typically require emergency medical treatment, including surgery, to prevent further complications and save the affected limb or area.
In Arizona, workers who suffer burn injuries on the job are generally entitled to workers’ comp benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury. The Arizona Industrial Commission oversees the workers’ compensation system, ensuring that injured workers in the state receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.
Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation in Arizona covers all necessary medical costs related to the burn injury. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary ongoing treatments, such as physical therapy or reconstructive surgery.
Temporary Disability Benefits: If your burn injury keeps you from job-related duties, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits that provide a portion of your lost wages while you recover. In Arizona, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are generally two-thirds of your average monthly wage, up to a maximum amount set by law.
Permanent Disability Benefits: If your burn injury results in permanent disability or severe disfigurement, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. These benefits are determined based on the severity of the impairment and how it affects your ability to work.
Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation services. These services help you retrain for a new position or learn new skills to re-enter the workforce.
Death Benefits: In the tragic event that a burn injury results in death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the worker’s dependents. These benefits include coverage for funeral expenses and financial support for the family.
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be challenging, especially when dealing with severe injuries like burns. It is crucial to have experienced legal assistance to ensure that you receive the full benefits you deserve. At Crossman Law Offices, P.C., we are dedicated to helping Arizona workers recover from workplace burn injuries and uncover their worker’s compensation employee rights to move forward with their lives.