Yes, burn injuries are generally covered under workers’ compensation in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, provided they occur while you are working and the injury is job-related. Whether caused by fire, chemicals, or electrical sources, if your burn injury happened during the course of your employment, you are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help with medical treatment, lost wages, and recovery. At Rob Levine Law, we understand the significant impact a burn injury can have on your life, and we’re here to help you navigate the process to ensure you receive the support you deserve.
Types of Burns and Workplaces That See Them
Burn injuries can occur in many different work environments, and understanding the type of burn can help determine the necessary treatment and coverage. There are several types of burns, including:
- Thermal Burns: Caused by heat, fire, or hot surfaces. Common in kitchens, construction sites, or manufacturing settings where workers are exposed to open flames, hot machinery, or welding equipment.
- Chemical Burns: Resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals. These are common in laboratories, cleaning industries, or manufacturing plants where workers handle industrial-grade chemicals.
- Electrical Burns: Caused by electrical current passing through the body. Workers in construction, electrical work, or maintenance are at higher risk for this type of burn, especially if they are exposed to faulty wiring or electrical equipment.
- Radiation Burns: Occur from exposure to radiation, such as in medical, industrial, or scientific settings. Workers in hospitals, research facilities, or nuclear power plants may be at risk.
Each of these burns requires different types of treatment and has specific challenges for recovery. It’s important to know which type of burn you have, as this will impact how your claim is handled.
Burn Severity and Workers’ Compensation
Burn injuries are categorized by severity, which can influence both your recovery and how workers’ compensation handles your claim:
- First-Degree Burns: The least severe, affecting only the outer layer of skin. These are typically treated with over-the-counter ointments and may not require extensive medical care. While workers’ compensation will cover treatment for first-degree burns, these injuries often do not result in long-term disability or extensive compensation.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns affect deeper layers of skin, causing blisters and significant pain. They may require medical attention, such as wound care and prescription medications. Workers’ compensation will likely cover these injuries, and if they lead to long-term scarring, you may be entitled to additional compensation for disfigurement.
- Third-Degree Burns: The most severe type, these burns go through all layers of skin and can cause permanent damage to tissues and organs. Third-degree burns often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. These injuries can lead to permanent disability, and workers’ compensation will cover the necessary treatment and may provide long-term disability benefits.
The severity of your burn injury will impact the type and amount of compensation you may receive. The more severe the burn, the more likely it is that you’ll need extended medical care and disability benefits, both of which are typically covered under workers’ compensation.
Compensation for Disfigurement and Scarring
In addition to covering the medical costs and lost wages associated with burn injuries, Workers’ Compensation in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island may also provide compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement. This is particularly important for second-degree and third-degree burns, as these types of injuries can result in visible, permanent scarring that may affect your appearance and quality of life.
In Massachusetts, workers who suffer disfigurement due to burn injuries, especially on visible parts of the body such as the face, hands, or neck, may be entitled to lump-sum payments or additional compensation under Workers’ Compensation.
In Rhode Island, similar benefits are available, though compensation for disfigurement can be somewhat subjective. It is often determined by a judge if a settlement cannot be reached. The location and severity of the scarring, along with its impact on the worker’s quality of life, will be factors considered in determining the compensation.
Vocational Rehabilitation for Severe Burns
For workers who suffer third-degree burns or other severe injuries that result in permanent impairment, workers’ compensation may also cover vocational rehabilitation. This is a service designed to help workers retrain for a new career or job if they are no longer able to return to their previous line of work due to the severity of their injury.
Vocational rehabilitation may include career counseling, job placement assistance, retraining programs, and other services that can help you get back to work in a different role or industry. If your burn injury prevents you from performing your previous job duties, this benefit can be crucial for your financial and emotional recovery.
What To Do After a Burn Injury: Legal Considerations
After sustaining a burn injury at work, the first priority is to seek medical attention immediately. However, it’s also important to understand the legal options available to you.
- Report the Injury: In both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, it’s crucial to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. In Massachusetts, this must be done within 30 days, and in Rhode Island, as soon as practical.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Once you report the injury, you’ll need to file a workers’ compensation claim. This will help ensure that your medical bills, lost wages, and recovery costs are covered.
However, there may also be third-party liability to consider. If your burn injury was caused by a third party, such as a faulty product, unsafe working conditions created by another company, or a co-worker’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the third party in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This could allow you to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages that are not covered by workers’ compensation.
It’s important to understand the differences between a Personal Injury Claim and a Workers’ Compensation Claim. Personal injury claims are based on negligence and are filed against responsible third parties, while workers’ compensation claims are based on a no-fault system. In many cases, pursuing both avenues can provide the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Rob Levine Law Can Help You
At Rob Levine Law, we understand how devastating burn injuries can be, both physically and financially. If you’ve sustained a burn injury while working, we can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and explore any third-party liability claims that may be available to you. Our experienced team will ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that you receive the full compensation you deserve, whether through workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rob Levine Law for a free consultation. Our workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you through the recovery process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Call (800) 742-3920 or reach out online.
