Even when numerous safety guidelines are implemented and measures taken, workplace burns account for a large number of all burn-related injuries. According to the American Burn Association, roughly 500,000 such injuries requiring medical attention occur every year. Of those, approximately 4,000 people ultimately lose their lives.

A burn victim experiences a tremendous amount of pain from the injury itself. However, that individual is also subjected to long-term care that is difficult to endure. There is also risk of developing infections, not to mention the serious social and economic impact this type of injury has on the victim and entire family.

There are different types of work-related burns, including thermal, chemical, and electrical. The amount of time a victim spends in the hospital and a rehabilitation center, as well as the level of pain and financial loss experienced, depends on the type and severity of the burn. These things also depend on how quickly a burn victim is treated and whether proper care is provided.

The latest statistics show that the majority of work-related burns are caused by industrial plant explosions. In connection with that, most patients suffer chemical burns. Of the three types of burns, chemical burns are the most common. However, the number of incidents involving chemical burns, as well as thermal and electrical burns, is on the rise.

Construction sites and factories are also at great risk since it is common for things like water heaters, fuel tanks, flammable materials, and boilers to be on-site. The majority of burn injuries are caused by industrial explosions, welding accidents, compressed gas, flash fires, machinery accidents, and electrocution. While minor burns are bad enough, third and fourth-degree burns usually leave a victim scarred for life, even with extensive reconstructive surgery.

If you have suffered burn injuries from a work-related accident, it is imperative that you hire a qualified personal injury attorney. For one thing, your attorney will investigate to determine the cause of the accident, whether it had to do with another person’s carelessness, inadequate employee training, or pure negligence. With the information that your attorney gathers, the best course of action for getting you financial compensation is devised.

Work-related burns are caused by other things as well, including equipment failure, improper equipment installation, poor equipment maintenance, or defective equipment. There could also be negligence on the part of your employer if it is found that they failed to comply with mandated government safety regulations. In looking at all of the evidence, your attorney may feel that you would get more financial compensation by going after your employer, a contractor, the manufacturer of any equipment involved, or all of them.

If you sustained burns while on the job, regardless of the cause, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation that goes well beyond standard worker’s compensation. In fact, not only can you get compensation for current medical bills, your attorney will help you recover money for pain and suffering, current and future lost wages, scarring, disfigurement, vocational rehabilitation, and life care.