Understanding Workers’ Compensation for a Burn Injury

August 3, 2018

The World Health Organization estimates that 180,000 deaths occur each year due to burns, with burn injuries often occurring in the workplace.

If you suffered a burn injury while at work or while performing work-related duties, the Phoenix workers’ compensation attorneys of Phillips Law Group can help review your case and inform you of the options available to pursue compensation.

Request a free, no obligation consultation and learn about your legal options.

Steps to Take After A Burn Injury

If you are burned while at work, it is important to take action right away to treat the injury.

Minor burns can cause swelling, pain and minor redness, but do not result in blistering. Treat minor burns by:

• Placing the affected area under cool (not cold) water, which works to reduce swelling
• Cleaning the area with a mild soap and water
• Applying antibiotic ointment (only do so if the skin is not broken)
• Wrapping the affected area with a loose, sterile gauze dressing to prevent agitation

If you sustain a serious burn injury, seek immediate medical attention from a licensed medical professional. Severe burns cause blisters and discoloration of the skin. The burned skin may be charred or a white or yellow color.

Severe burns, including second and third-degree burns, may require hospitalization. Treatment may include skin grafting or other surgical procedures.

If you are burned while performing work-related tasks, notify your supervisor of the injury.

Who Is Entitled to Workers’ Compensation in Arizona?

Both part-time and full-time employees are entitled toworkers’ compensation in Arizonaif their burn injuries occurred while performing duties related to their employment.

Independent contractors are not employees, and typically are not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries. Sometimes workers are misclassified as independent contractors when they should be considered employees, therefore being entitled to workers’ compensation.

State employees in Arizona are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries in the course of their employment. However, state employees are not allowed to reject workers’ compensation benefits.

Volunteers are typically not entitled to workers’ compensation but there are some exceptions. Volunteer firefighters, workers at licensed healthcare institutions and personnel participating in emergency management training are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Obtaining Workers’ Compensation for Burn Injuries

To obtain workers’ compensation, you must file a claim. Your claim must be filed within a year of your injury date. If your claim is approved, you will be eligible to receive wage replacement benefits on the eighth day following your injury.

Workers’ compensation also pays medical expenses. Depending on the severity of your burn injuries, you may also qualify for temporary total disability, permanent total disability or permanent partial disability benefits.

If your claim is denied, you do have the right to appeal this decision.Sometimes claims are denied because the employer says the injury occurred because you disobeyed reasonable rules and regulations.

Submit a Request for Hearing form to the Industrial Commission of Arizona to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The first hearing is typically scheduled within 90 days after the request is received.

During your hearing, the ALJ will hear testimony, consider all submitted evidence and make rulings on any motions submitted. At this step, it is wise to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your case is presented properly.

The ALJ’s decision will be mailed to you once a ruling has been made. If you disagree with the decision, you may file a Request for Review within 30 days. If you miss this deadline, the decision from the hearing will be final.

Contact A Lawyer Today

If you have suffered a burn injury while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The experienced Phoenix workers’ compensation lawyers of Phillips Law Group will help you pursue the benefits you deserve.

We will evaluate your claim during a risk-free, no obligation consultation and let you know what legal options are available for obtaining compensation for your injuries. There are no upfront fees or costs involved. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or complete ourFree Case Evaluation formnow.