New Jersey Burn Accident Lawyers
Fighting for New Jersey Burn Injury Victims
Burns are among the most painful and harmful injuries the human body can endure because they inflict damage on the tissue itself. The damage can range from the superficial–marring the epidermis or the skin’s topmost layer or causing catastrophic injury when tissue is burned through to the bone.
In some workplaces, employees are exposed to risk for burn injuries when there exists open flames, sparks, electrical currents, flammable and corrosive chemicals, gases and other substances.
In the workplace, fire safety is paramount and all employees are responsible for following fire prevention and emergency procedures.The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific standards and regulations for fire and burn safety in the workplace and for the use and handling of toxic chemicals, flammable liquids, gases and other combustible materials. New Jersey state and local government worksites are covered by the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational safety and Health (PEOSH) State Plan.
How people get burn injuries at work
New Jersey Employers have complete responsibility for workplace safety and are required by law to adhere to OSHA and PEOSH safety regulations. Sometimes, companies and other employers deliberately decide to not follow these regulations, fail to comply due to incompetence or neglect to train and monitor employees to ensure a safe workplace.
Severity Levels of Workplace Burns
There are four levels of burn severity:
First-degree burns damage the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin and usually heal on their own within seven days.
Second-degree burns reach the second layer of the skin called the “dermis”. Second-degree burns may require a skin graft to heal and they may also leave a scar.
Third-degree burns damage or completely destroy both layers of skin including hair follicles and sweat glands. They also damage the underlying tissue. Skin grafting is necessary to treat third-degree burns.
Fourth degree burns extend into fat, fifth degree burns into muscle, and sixth degree burns reach the bone.
Types of Workplace Burns
Thermal Burns are caused by the heat from liquids (scalding), open flames, hot objects and explosions. The most important priority with thermal burns is controlling and stopping the burning process. Thermal burns also include burns from sun exposure.
Chemical Burns result when skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, alkaloids or other corrosive or caustic materials that corrode skin and deeper tissue. In the workplace, these accidents can occur after exposure to industrial cleaners and other toxic and harsh chemicals like gasoline, ammonia and paint thinner..
Electrical Burns happens when a person is exposed to electric shock. When electric current travels through the body it meets resistance in tissue. Electrical burns are extremely critical and those resulting from an electrical arc are often fatal.
How Burn Injuries Affect the Body
When a person is burned their inflammatory response mechanism goes into overdrive and can actually increase the severity of the damages.The heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys and other organs can be harmed in the body’s attempt to rid itself of the threat. Some effects can include:
- Infection
- Shock, which is a critical loss of blood pressure
- Fluid loss
- Lack of oxygen which can damage the heart, lungs and kidneys
- Edema (swelling of the brain or other organs)
Keefe Law Firm Settlements and Verdicts
Workplace Burn Injury FAQs
Do I have a viable workplace burn injury legal claim?
Anyone who has sustained serious burn injuries due to the negligent actions of another party may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, property damage and more. For a case to be successful, it’s critical that you gather and keep all evidence relative to your claim. Be sure to get medical attention and keep all your medical records and track expenses. Note any people that were present when the incident occurred.
Who can I sue in my burn injury claim?
If you were injured at work, you may file a workers’ compensation claim to receive medical coverage from your employer’s insurance. Depending on the nature of your case, other parties such as a subcontractor or product manufacturer or distributor may be held liable. An experienced workplace injury attorney can fully explain your options.
What damages can I recover if I was hurt by a burn injury at work?
You may recover the following damages, depending on the nature of your case:
- Past medical expenses to treat the burn injury
- Future medical expenses that are reasonably likely to be incurred to treat your burn injuries in the future
- Past and future loss of income and earning capacity to make up for lost work time
- Compensation for past pain, disability and disfigurement as a result of you burn injuries
Remember–In order to get the maximum compensation you deserve, collect and retain all evidence and keep a record of expenses related to your injury.
How soon after my accident must I bring a case?
That all depends upon the nature of the claim you are bringing. There are many different statutes of limitations that could apply in a burn injury case.
New Jersey’s Work Injury Attorneys
At Keefe Law firm, we have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for people hurt by injuries and illness from on the job:
Chemical and Toxic Substances Exposure
Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents
Heavy Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Call A Burn Injury Lawyer Today
Serious burns can lead to years of expensive medical treatment and lost wages plus other job-related benefits. In many cases, an accident that caused an employee to sustain a severe burn injury was completely preventable and would not have occurred if the employer had followed safety regulations, processes and procedures.
If you or a family member was injured or passed away due to a burn injury, contact Keefe Law Firm. We can help you with your Workmans’ compensation claim and also evaluate your case for a possible legal claim.
Additional compensation may be possible if your injury was the result of and accident due to:
- A defective product
- Negligence on the part of someone other than a direct employer, such as a project manager, an architect or engineer
- A subcontractor’s employee or a vendor working at the job site
To find out more about your workplace burn injury case speak to a Keefe Law Firm personal injury attorney.
Get A Free Case Evaluation
At Keefe Law Firm, we stand for our injured clients to attain nothing less than the compensation they deserve. Talk to a lawyer today about your options.