COMPENSATION FOR WORKPLACE BURNS, SCARS & DISFIGUREMENT

Let Saffren & Weinberg’s Attorneys Get All the Compensation You Deserve

Getting hurt on the job is a traumatic experience. So much so, depending on the injury, a worker can develop emotional issues from it. Burns, scars, and disfigurement also cause emotional (and physical) issues. For example, you suffered a burn injury on your neck from a chemical splash, causing a permanent scar below your left ear to the base of your neck. It is noticeable even when you pull up your collar. You no longer want to go hang out with your coworkers and friends. It’s also taken a toll on your family since you no longer want to play with your kids outside. This may seem dramatic, but it does happen.

Most workers think they can only get workers’ compensation for the typical work injury, such as a broken arm or herniated disk. This is not true. You can get compensation for scars and disfigurement on the face, head, and neck. This type of compensation is additional to the workers’ compensation received for the original work-related injury.

According to Workers’ Compensation America, Pennsylvania workers can receive a certain number of weeks of workers’ compensation benefits. However, it is at a judge’s discretion for the amount of the award. The maximum payment is 275 weeks. Also, you have up to three years to file a workers’ compensation claim. Don’t get caught up in doctor’s appointments, medical expenses and medical bills, and dealing with your healthcare provider – file your claim as soon as possible for your workplace accident.

In New Jersey, you can receive workers’ compensation for scars that are deemed “disfiguring” on the hands, face, neck, and head. A New Jersey worker can receive up to 275 weeks of workers’ compensation benefits. There are differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey regarding workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Saffren & Weinberg know the workers’ compensation laws in both states and will ensure that your voice is heard in court in protecting your rights and getting the benefits you deserve for your workplace accident. You may also be eligible for social security disability benefits. Our law firm handles these claims and more.

Classifications of Burns

Burn victims can sustain a chemical burn, thermal burn or an electrical burn in origin. Causes of burns can be from hot liquids, for example, if a line cook burns her hand on the stove. Or it could be a more serious burn like if an electrician comes into contact with a live wire and is electrocuted.  Burns can cause extensive skin damage and limit range of motion. The type of burn injury can range from a minor burn to a severe burn. The severity of the burn injury is determined in degrees.

Types of Burns:

• First Degree Burn – Damage to the first layer of skin (epidermis) and produces redness and pain.

• Second Degree Burn– Damage to the second layer of skin (dermis) and produces redness, pain, blisters, and possible scarring. 

• Third Degree Burn – Damage to layers beneath the dermis, including nerves and organs. Produces leathery or white skin and chronic pain.

• Fourth Degree Burn- Damage to muscle and bone. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Medical treatment for a workplace burn injury includes pain management, skin grafts, surgery, and physical therapy. More severe burn injuries can lead to shock, a heart attack, and infections.