As anyone who has ever scalded themselves on a hot stove knows all too well, burn injuries are very painful. When they are minor, you just may need to run some cold water over it and keep an eye on your skin until it’s healed. But severe second- and third-degree burns can involve months of intense medical intervention – including surgeries and skin graph replacements.Burn Victims Don’t Just Suffer Once
Victims of work accident burn injuries experience physical, emotional, and financial burdens that far exceed the searing pain of the initial injury. Our clients have experienced physical disabilities ranging from small scars to total nerve damage as well as emotional burdens like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a lifetime. In either case, burn injuries are certainly cumbersome for individuals and their families.
Burn Accidents at Work
Houston has a large concentration of industry jobs that are dangerous by definition. Burns are a fairly common injury caused by oilfield, refinery, pipeline, car manufacturers and mechanics, and construction industry jobs, all of which are common in our community. No matter the severity of the exposure, it can leave employees in critical and vulnerable physical and emotional positions if they are victim to a burn accident.
Burns at work can occur from physical contact with a hot surface, or workers can be burned internally through inhalation. This presents itself in an irritated throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, chests pain, and headaches. Common causes are working with or being around chemicals, toxin exposure, electrocution, fires and explosions, working with highly flammable materials, operating machinery, not being supplied the proper protective equipment, and even just sun exposure.
If You’re Burned at Work, Your Employer May Be Liable
Most often, injuries occur from negligent actions of employers. When employees are burned as a result of a company’s negligence in complying with proper safety measures, they may be entitled to receive compensation.
Compensation can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, assist families who may have lost a primary financial supporter, whether temporarily or permanently, and more. However, the state of Texas does not require employers to offer workers compensation. And, even if it is offered, it is likely not enough to cover the full costs for recovery.
Been Burned? We Can Help.
If you are a burn victim from a neglect action of your Houston employer, consulting an experienced burn injury attorney will help you get the proper compensation. Our skilled and knowledgeable Houston-based attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas will fight for the damages you or a loved one who deserves from a work accident burn injury.
If you have been victim of a burn injury at any time in the last two years, you may be eligible to receive the justice and compensation for your harm. Call us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your potential recovery options.
