St. Louis
Burn Injury Lawyer
Burn injuries are some of the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer. Unfortunately, a number of workplaces expose employees to burn injury risks. From open flames to electrical currents, burn accidents in the workplace are not uncommon.
Burn accidents remain an important concern for many organizations, despite the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Learn what you need to know about workplace burn injuries, their effects on burn victims, and when you should involve a St. Louis personal injury lawyer.
Table Of Contents
Types of Workplace Burn Injuries
Most burn injuries result from open fires. However, there are many other ways a person can suffer a burn in the workplace. Some common causes of workplace burn injuries appear below.
Thermal Burns
These burns result from exposure to high temperatures found in steam, hot liquids, and fire. The extreme heat causing these burns can come from steam pipes, boiling water, furnaces, or exposed flames.
Foodservice employees, who often work near stoves and ovens, may be especially at risk for burn injuries. According to data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 97,000 people in the St. Louis area work in the accommodation and food services sector.
Whether they’re scalded by a pot of boiling water or injured with steam from a malfunctioning dishwasher unit, St. Louis food service workers are at serious risk of thermal burns.
To prevent such incidents, workers should take measures like wearing protective gear when necessary. A company should also have an emergency department that’s properly equipped to deal with such accidents before they get out of hand.
Electrical Burns
These burns are caused by electrical currents passing through the body. Common causes of electrical burns in the workplace include faulty wiring and equipment, overloaded outlets, and exposure to high-voltage electricity.
Employees who work with or around electrical currents should be properly trained on how to stay safe. This includes knowing how to identify and report hazards and how to properly use and maintain electrical equipment.
In St. Louis, more than 87,000 people work in the construction trades, an industry with a high potential for electrical burns. Unfinished buildings are more likely to have exposed wiring and untested infrastructure that can increase risk, putting the many St. Louis construction workers in harm’s way.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns happen when the skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive chemicals. These chemicals can include (but are not limited to) acids, cleaners, and solvents.
Potentially hazardous chemicals can be used in many industries, but are particularly common in manufacturing facilities. St. Louis is home to a strong manufacturing industry employing more than 152,000 workers, many of whom work in auto plants. The powerful solvents, adhesives, and acids used in the auto and parts manufacturing process can easily pose burn injury risks.
Employers in all work environments should make sure that all chemicals have the appropriate labels detailing the possible risks associated with the substances. Employees should also know how to handle and store the chemicals.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns occur when the skin is exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, which can originate from sources like X-rays, lasers, and ultraviolet light.
While these burns are not as common as thermal, electrical, or chemical burns, it’s important for employers to be aware of the potential risks. Employees who work with or around radiation should be properly trained on safety measures.
What are the degrees of burn injuries?
A burn goes beyond the burning sensation on the skin. Depending on the severity of the burn, a person can experience different degrees of burns. While some burns may be mild, others may require immediate medical treatment to prevent further complications or even death.
The different levels of burns depend on the extent or depth of the injury. Burns are classified into the following categories:
First-Degree Burns
These burns only affect the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. A first-degree burn may cause the skin to turn red and feel painful. However, it typically doesn’t result in blistering or any permanent damage.
First-degree burns will typically heal on their own within a week or less and will cause less scarring.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns extend beyond the first layer of skin into the dermis—the second layer of skin. A second-degree burn may cause the skin to turn red, blister, and be very painful.
Second-degree burns may take up to several weeks to heal. They also have a higher risk of infection. Like first-degree burns, second-degree burns usually cause minimal scarring.
Third-Degree Burns
These are the most serious burns, and they could potentially cause disfigurement. Third-degree burns may go through the dermis and affect the tissue underneath. A third-degree burn can cause the skin to turn white or black, be dry and leathery, and be very painful.
Third-degree burns can take months or even years to heal. They also have a high risk of infection. Third-degree burns often result in significant scarring, and surgical procedures like skin grafts may be necessary.
When to File a Burn Accident Claim in St. Louis
If you have been injured in a burn accident, it’s important to know your legal options and how to get compensated. When filing personal injury claims, there are many things to consider.
You’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and that their negligence led to your injuries. You’ll also need to prove the extent of your injuries and the damages you’ve incurred.
Knowledgeable St. Louis burn injury lawyers can help. They will know how to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will also negotiate with the insurance company or opposing party to get you the maximum compensation possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a burn accident, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney for legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the complications associated with a serious injury from a burn include infection, scarring, and nerve damage. Severe burn injuries may also require skin grafts or other surgical procedures
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the damages you’ve incurred, and other factors. An experienced burn injury lawyer will be able to help you get compensation to take care of medical bills.
While you’re not required to hire a burn injury attorney, it’s strongly advised that you do. Personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
They will also negotiate with the insurance company or opposing party to get the financial compensation that best suits you.
In most cases, yes. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. It pays for medical expenses and other damages.
If you’ve sustained severe burn injuries in a workplace accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The statute of limitations, or the time limit in which you can file a claim, varies from state to state. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
When choosing an accident attorney, it’s important to consider their experience, practice areas, reputation, and success rate.
Your choice of a lawyer will greatly affect the outcome of your case. You should also make sure that your lawyer is licensed to practice law in Missouri and that they have a good understanding of workers’ compensation laws if your injury happened at work.
Call the Champions for the Injured and Speak to an Attorney Today
Personal injuries can be devastating and cause emotional distress, especially if they involve burns. They can alter your daily life significantly. That’s why it’s important to know your rights and how to get compensated for your injuries.
At NST Law, we have over 32 years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, helping them every step of the way.
Our law firm consists of experienced and dedicated injury attorneys who will go the extra mile to give you the right legal representation and get the compensation you deserve from your personal injury case.
Call The Champs to schedule your free consultation.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
