Los Angeles Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Maison Law helps workers in Los Angeles through injuries and the claims process when they file for workers’ compensation. Even though injuries from fire or burns are more common in industries like construction or manufacturing, they can happen in any workplace. Our team can help you through your recovery process. Start by contacting us today for a free consultation.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

Regardless of what your job is, a burn or fire injury at work can happen to you. It could be as simple as getting too close to a heater. So, when you’re injured,  it’s important to understand California’s workers’ compensation system–even though you don’t have to get a lawyer by law. The more hurt you are, the more help you’ll need. With our team’s experience, we can help you by:

• Getting coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation.
• Filing a claim if unsafe working conditions led to your injuries.
• Going further with a wrongful termination claim if you were fired because of your injuries.
  
  

Filing a claim after a burn or fire injury can be complicated, but we’re here to guide you through the process and make sure you get the support you need. Keep in mind, though, that every case is different, and the best approach for you is going to depend on the specifics of your injury.

What Can You Get in a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Burn Injury?

Facing a burn or fire injury at work can be terrifying, especially when it leads to long-term pain or complications. While these injuries may not always be career-ending, they can still have a serious impact on your life and ability to work. A workers’ compensation claim can help ease the burden by providing benefits to cover various costs. For burn or fire injuries, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical expenses related to burn treatment and recovery
• Temporary disability (TD) benefits for lost income if you miss work
• Coverage for rehabilitation or therapy to help with your recovery
• Benefits for permanent disability if the injury results in long-term damage
  
  

Obviously, a burn injury from a fire or other heat source is incredibly painful. Yet, if there are long-term consequences, they might not be evident right away. But you also can’t wait to file a claim for workers’ comp. You have to report your injury within 30 days, and only have one year from the date of the injury to file. From there, your benefits are going to depend on how you respond.

What Do You Need to Do After Suffering a Burn Injury at Work?

Outside of the immediate pain and scary nature of a burn or other injury from a fire, there’s a process in place that’s going to require you to take certain steps to protect your potential claim. So, when you suffer one of these injuries, here’s what you need to do: 

• Tell your employer about the injury – Tell your employer about your injury right away. Reporting it quickly speeds up the claims process, while also putting your employer on notice. It also shows that you’re taking the injury seriously.

 

• Get medical care – At the same time, get first aid. If your burn is more serious, make sure 911 is called for an ambulance. Early medical attention links your burn to your job and helps you get the necessary treatment. Once you’re treated, stick to your doctor’s treatment plan.

 

• Keep all your medical records – Keep copies of all medical documents, like test results, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans. These records show how serious your injury is and how it affects your ability to work.

 

• Get a second opinion – If you’re not happy with the evaluation from the workers’ compensation insurance company’s doctor, you can ask your own doctor for a second opinion. This can confirm the extent of your burns or other injuries.

 

• Document the burn’s impact – Keep track of how the burn affects your daily life and work. This includes pain, inability to do activities, and any emotional challenges. This helps show how your injury has changed your life.

 

• Get witness statements – If coworkers or supervisors saw the injury happen, ask them to write statements about what they witnessed. Their statements can support your claim.

 

If your burn injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit as well. This can help you recover additional financial support for pain, suffering, and future medical costs, along with workers’ compensation benefits. By following these steps, you strengthen your claim and improve your chances of getting the benefits you need after a serious burn injury.

How Can Burn Injuries Happen to You at Work?

One of the most difficult things about burns in the workplace is that they can happen in a wide variety of different ways. You might think that you don’t have to worry about burns if you don’t work near flames or other heat sources, but you still might find yourself with one of these injuries. Most of the time though, they happen in the following situations:

• Hot surfaces – Workers can get burned by accidentally touching tools, machines, or surfaces that are too hot. This can happen in kitchens, factories, or any environment with heated equipment.
  
  
• Fires or explosions – Flammable materials like gas or chemicals can catch fire if not handled properly. Equipment that malfunctions, such as poorly maintained machinery or electrical systems, can also cause sudden explosions or fires.
  
  
• Hot liquids or steam – Spills or splashes of boiling liquids or steam can cause severe burns. This is common in workplaces like restaurants, factories, or power plants where hot liquids and steam are frequently used.
  
  

• Faulty equipment – Defective tools or improperly installed wiring can cause electrical shocks, which often lead to burns. This is a common risk for construction workers, electricians, and maintenance teams.
  
  

• Lack of training – If workers aren’t properly trained on how to use electrical tools or handle wiring, they’re at a higher risk of accidents, which can lead to burns or even electrocution.
  
  

• Hazardous substances – Direct contact with dangerous chemicals like acids, solvents, or industrial cleaners can cause painful burns. This often happens in labs, factories, or cleaning jobs.
  
  
• Spills or splashes – Accidental spills or splashes of hazardous liquids can burn the skin, especially if workers aren’t handling these materials carefully or if the workplace is disorganized.
  
  
• No safety gear – If workers aren’t wearing proper protective gear, like gloves, goggles, or aprons, their skin and eyes are left vulnerable to chemical exposure.
  
  
• Poor training – Workers who haven’t been taught how to safely handle tools, machinery, or chemicals may make mistakes that lead to burns.
  
  
• No safety protocols – Workplaces that don’t enforce safety rules or provide proper protective equipment leave workers at greater risk for burns. For example, there might not be warning signs for hot surfaces or spill hazards.
  
  
• Poor maintenance – Equipment that isn’t regularly checked or repaired can overheat, leak dangerous substances, or malfunction, all of which increase the chances of burn injuries.
  
  

Even if they occur at work, a burn injury or something similar can have serious complications. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them immediately. But it’s also important to file for workers’ comp to make sure you get benefits that are available to you. Our team can make sure your claim is as strong as possible.

Contact Maison Law After a Burn Injury at Work in Los Angeles

Suffering a burn injury at work can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with intense pain and trauma, but you may also require extensive medical treatment, such as wound care, skin grafts, or even surgery. These injuries often happen in an instant, yet their effects can be long-lasting, leaving you with physical scars, emotional challenges, and time away from work. Maison Law and our team of Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers will be there to make sure you have the guidance and support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.