What to Do After a Severe Burn Injury at Work

 Posted on March 06, 2019 in Workplace Injury

Workers’ compensation claims involve many types of workplace injuries, including falls and motor vehicle collisions. Some of the most traumatizing work injuries come in the form of severe burns. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 486,000 Americans were hospitalized due to serious burns in 2016, and here in the state of Colorado, burn injuries are not uncommon for workers in the construction and oil and gas industries. If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury while at work, it is time to seek experienced legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.

Issues for Severe Burn Victims

With thousands of oil and gas workers throughout the state of Colorado, burn injuries are a fairly common occurrence. This past October, an oil worker was severely burned when the oil tank he was working on suddenly exploded. The oil field was located outside of Briggsdale, and the worker was rushed to a hospital in Greeley. After months in the hospital, the worker was finally able to return home.

After hospitalization, burn injury complications can continue:

Long-Term Pain

Burn injuries can result in painful blisters and other forms of frequent pain. Unlike a broken bone or other short-term injuries, burn pain may last for months, years, or a lifetime. This chronic pain can lead to sleep problems, an inability to take part in day-to-day activities, and difficulty returning to work. 

Emotional Pain

In many cases, especially when extensive scarring has occurred, a burn injury can impact a person’s mental well-being. Burn victims are more likely to face issues such as anxiety and depression. If a person’s physical appearance is significantly impacted through the burn, many victims struggle with self-esteem. 

Fatal Injuries

Tragically, many burn injuries are ultimately fatal. According to statistics compiled by the American Burn Association (ABA), approximately 3,275 Americans were killed in fire-related incidents in 2016, many after long health battles following the accident. 

Contact a Fort Collins Burn Injury Lawyer 

If you or a member of your family has suffered a serious burn injury in the workplace, you deserve the compensation needed to ensure your family’s financial future. In Colorado, thousands of workers suffer serious injuries while at work every year. These often result in expensive medical bills, costly physical therapy, and loss of work hours. If you need help, Hoggatt Injury Law is ready to fight for you. To schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County workers’ compensation attorney, contact our team today at 970-225-2190.

Sources

http://www.reporterherald.com/lovelandreporter-herald/ci_32343066/loveland-oil-field-burn-victim-who-received-new

https://msktc.org/burn/factsheets/Managing-Pain-After-Burn-Injury

https://ameriburn.org/who-we-are/media/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/