Burn admissions are prominent from May to August, accounting for 37.5% of the total admissions annually. According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS), there are at least 29,165 burn admissions per year, which equates to 88.5 admissions per million people per year and 795 inpatient deaths.
Most of the burn victims have a median age of 39 years, which falls within the American working-class bracket. While a considerable number of these burns occur at home, workplace burns are also relevant, as without proper hazard awareness and protection issued to its employees, it can be a grave case of neglect on the employer's part.
Burn incidents in workplaces in Florida are among the cases we handle seriously at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary. We understand that a workplace burn injury can change a person's life instantly, leaving a lasting sense of physical, emotional, and financial suffering. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace-related burn injury, seek immediate advice and counsel from an experienced lawyer and explore your options.
We're familiar with the leading causes of workplace burn injuries, your rights as an injured worker, and our firm can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Top causes of burn injuries in the workplace
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we investigate and handle workplace burn injury cases in Florida. Here are the top causes of burn injuries in the workplace:
1. Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are among the most severe and potentially fatal workplace burns where current travels through the body, resulting in severe burn injuries that can damage the skin, internal tissues, and organs. They result from contact with exposed wires, power lines, or malfunctioning electronics.
Industries at high risk:
- Construction
- Utility work
- Maintenance and repair
- Manufacturing and Industrial Work
Common causes:
- Faulty wiring
- Lack of lockout/tagout procedure
- Unsafe use of electrical tools or equipment
- Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Poor training or lack of supervision
2. Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are caused by exposure to heat, such as open flames, hot objects, scalding liquids, steam, and explosions. These are some of the most common types of workplace burns that can occur in various settings.
Industries at high risk:
- Foodservice and hospitality
- Construction
- Industrial manufacturing
- Welding and metalwork
- Machine work
Common causes:
- Contact with hot objects like industrial ovens, stoves, blowtorches, or machinery
- Hot oil or hot water splashes
- Exposure to steam lines or boilers
- Fire
- Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3. Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes are exposed to corrosive substances like strong acids, alkalis, or solvents. These burn injuries occur without warning and can result in deep tissue damage or permanent blindness.
Industries at high risk:
- Janitorial services
- Laboratories and medical research
- Agricultural and landscaping services
- Manufacturing
Common substances involved:
- Industrial cleaners
- Battery acid
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Paint thinners
- Corrosive laboratory chemicals
Who is responsible for workplace-acquired burn injuries?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, employers are mandated to create healthy working conditions for their employees by adhering to standards developed under the act by providing research, information, education, and training in occupational safety and health.
Section 5 of this act deliberately directs employers to furnish their employees with a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees. Moreover, employers must comply with occupational safety and health hazards that vary from workplace to workplace. We strongly encourage you to contact our attorney, Sean M. Cleary, for a prompt case assessment if you have suffered a workplace injury.
Compensation for workplace burn injuries
The compensation amount depends on the details of your burn incident and the injuries you suffered. Sean M. Cleary will evaluate the circumstances of your injury carefully and build your case based on a thorough analysis of proof and facts that the burn incident resulted from company negligence by the standards stipulated in the OSH Act. We will file a claim on your behalf, and you will be compensated for the physical and emotional struggles due to a workplace burn incident that the company could have avoided.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we help injured workers file claims for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and disfigurement
- Long-term disability
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
How Can The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Help You in Filing a Case
Investigating and determining the cause of your burn injury can take considerable time, and we advise you to seek legal action immediately. To protect your health and legal rights, you must keep all relevant evidence: the incident report, injury documentation, incident scene photo, and a copy of your medical records. To ensure the right course of action, avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters and prioritize communicating with experienced lawyers like Sean M. Cleary before discussing your case with third parties. Once we collate the initial documents needed, we will evaluate your case for free.