What happens after you get burned at work?

A burn that occurs at work can wind up impacting an employee in many different ways. Minor burns need first aid and typically heal with no lingering effects other than perhaps a scar on the skin surface. They do not typically interfere with an employee returning to work in short order.

But if a worker suffers a serious third-degree burn on the job site, the impacts from the burn could prevent them from returning to work for an extended time — if ever. A bad burn can cause a loss of motion in the limbs due to muscles, tendons and soft tissue contracting from the thermal injury. If too much range of motion is gone, there may be no way for the worker to carry out their job duties.

There also can be a very serious psychological effect from a burn. If the burn victim's face was part of the injury zone, they may require multiple reconstructive surgeries to retain a semblance of their former appearance. Others who see them post-injury may respond negatively at the drastic change in their appearance, further traumatizing them psychologically.

The most seriously burned individuals may require a lifetime of treatment and no longer have an income from their job to cover their medical expenses and other bills.

Anyone who gets seriously burned on the job needs to learn about the options they have to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. Filing a claim for workers' compensation is the first step in a process that could lead to a significant financial settlement. Seeking legal counsel can help you decide how to proceed after a serious burn.