Pursuing Compensation for Burns as a Chicago Worker

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 5,000 American workers suffer burn injuries each year. These burns are often caused by serious fires and explosions in the workplace. Depending on the severity of the burn, workers could face lifelong disabilities, disfigurements, and career issues. How can you pursue fair compensation after an issue like this? Could a Chicago workers’ comp lawyer help?

How Do Workplace Burns Occur?

Workplace burns can occur in many different ways. Perhaps the most obvious situation involves a fire. However, explosions are also relatively common – especially in factories. Workers dealing with toxins, chemicals, and other dangerous substances may suffer corrosive burns after being exposed to acids and other chemicals. Professional drivers are also vulnerable to burns. Traffic accidents often lead to fires and explosions, and workers may be burned as a result of these crashes.

How Do I Get Compensation for My Workplace Burn? 

After suffering a workplace burn injury, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. This source of compensation should help you cover medical bills and missed earnings. However, it will not cover 100% of your lost income – and it does not cover your non-economic damages.

Non-economic damages are important when addressing burn injuries, as they represent the psychological challenges felt by patients. Burns are often disfiguring, leading to issues with self-esteem. Severe burns may make relationships impossible – and they might also affect career opportunities.

“Disfigurement” is a type of non-economic damage that plaintiffs may pursue in personal injury lawsuits. However, this is not possible in a worker’s comp claim because this type of compensation does not cover any non-economic damages.

As a result of this challenge, you might want to discuss your options with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago. These legal professionals may be able to help you consider alternative sources of compensation. For example, you might have been burned by a malfunctioning tool while working at a construction site. While a workers’ comp claim is probably possible, you might also have the opportunity to sue the manufacturer of the tool. This would theoretically allow you to pursue non-economic damages like disfigurement.

How Do I Recover From a Burn? 

Various treatment methods may be possible after suffering a burn injury. Many patients undergo reconstructive surgery to restore their self-esteem and former appearance. It may be possible to pursue compensation for this treatment through a workers’ compensation claim – and you should speak with your lawyer for more information.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

If you’ve been searching for a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago, consider working with Connolly Injury Law. We know how serious workplace burns can be, and we’re ready to pursue compensation on your behalf. If you have experienced a denied claim, we can help you appeal the decision and get the compensation you deserve. To get started with an action plan, reach out and schedule your consultation today.

Sources: 

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3230153/#:~:text=Statistics%20presented%20by%20the%20Occupational,to%2045%25%20of%20all%20burns.

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/burns#:~:text=Burns%20are%20a%20type%20of,greatest%20risk%20for%20burn%20injury.