Many jobs come with the risk of burn injuries, which are some of the most painful and potentially disfiguring injuries that a person can sustain. Some examples of workers whose work can expose them to a burn injury risk on a daily basis include electricians, mechanics, construction workers, firefighters, and any job that involves exposure to caustic materials.
Fortunately for workers, when burn injuries are the result of on-the-job accidents like explosions, fires, or electrical accidents, they are typically entitled to benefits through Connecticut’s workers’ compensation program. Workers’ compensation provides workers with no-fault insurance coverage, which means that people who suffer injuries at work are typically able to obtain benefits even if the accident in which they were injured was their fault.
Workers’ compensation pays benefits that are meant to replace victims’ lost income and cover their accident-related medical expenses. For burn injury victims, these benefits can be critical, as burn treatment can be extremely expensive and prevent victims from working for months or even years. In addition, if a burn injury results in disability, victims may be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits.
Burn Injury Victims Should Retain an Attorney at the Outset of their Claim
Many injured workers make the mistake of believing that since workers’ comp is a no-fault system, it’s going to be easy to get their benefits. It’s critical to keep in mind that workers’ compensation benefits are paid out by private insurers or self-insured employers, both of which have a clear financial incentive to pay out as little as possible. For this reason, in many cases, injured workers have problems getting the benefits to which they legally entitled and desperately need.
Fortunately, when you retain a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you, he or she will make sure that your claim is filed properly with appropriate supporting documentation, ensuring that you get your benefits as quickly as possible. In the event that your employer or your employer’s insurer denies your claim, your lawyer can file an appeal on your behalf and may even take the matter to court.
In Some Cases, You May Pursue a Personal Injury Claim
It’s important to keep in mind that under certain circumstances, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for a work-related burn injury rather than pursue workers’ compensation benefits. This is important, as personal injury claims can compensate you for damages that workers’ comp benefits don’t cover, like physical and emotional pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. Some of the circumstances under which burn injury victims may be able to file a personal injury claim for an on-the-job accident include the following:
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If your accident the result of the negligence of an independent contractor (rather than a fellow employee)
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If your accident was the result of defectively designed or manufactured work tools or equipment
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If your accident was the result of the intentional conduct of your employer
To find out if you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim, have your case reviewed by an attorney as soon as you can.
Call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have suffered a burn injury in an on-the-job accident, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as you can. At Leighton, Katz & Drapeau, we know how important workers’ compensation benefits can be, and we strive to resolve each claim we handle as efficiently and favorably as possible. To schedule a free case evaluation with a workers’ comp lawyer in Connecticut, call our office today at (860) 875-7000 or send us an email through our online contact form.
