Did you suffer a serious burn injury while at work? It is imperative that you get immediate medical attention and that you know what to do to protect your rights. Burn injuries can be covered by workers’ comp insurance. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we put injured workers first. In this article, our Mauldin workers’ compensation attorney provides a guide to job-related burn injury claims in South Carolina.
Most Common Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries in South Carolina
Burn injuries remain a common hazard in workplaces in South Carolina and throughout the country more broadly. A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that as many as 45 percent of all burn injuries reported in the United States are linked to work. Workplace burn injuries can cause severe physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term health complications. In South Carolina, employees in industries ranging from manufacturing to food service face daily risks of burn-related accidents. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Thermal Burns (Hot Surfaces and Hot Equipment): Thermal burns occur when skin comes into contact with extremely hot surfaces, liquids, steam, or flames. Workers in kitchens, factories, and construction sites are especially vulnerable. For example, restaurant staff members in Mauldin may suffer burns from grills, fryers, or ovens.
- Chemical Burns (Hazardous Substances): Many workplaces use corrosive chemicals that can cause serious burns upon contact with skin or eyes. Some of the most common industrial cleaning agents, acids, and solvents are common culprits. Without proper protective gear, workers risk injuries that can lead to permanent scarring.
- Scalding Injuries (Hot Liquids or Steam): In restaurants, hospitals, and industrial facilities, exposure to boiling water or high-pressure steam is a major hazard. A sudden spill, burst pipe, or steam release can cause deep tissue damage within moments. Scald burns often require extensive medical treatment. A bad one can leave permanent scarring.
- Electrical Burns (Faulty Wiring or Malfunctioning Equipment): Electrical burns happen when a worker comes into direct contact with live electricity, either through faulty wiring, exposed cables, or defective machinery. These injuries can occur in construction, maintenance, and manufacturing settings.
- Explosions and Fire-Related Accidents: Explosions in industrial plants, warehouses, or construction sites can cause severe burns in seconds. These accidents may result from gas leaks, combustible dust, or improper handling of flammable materials. Workers not only face the risk of burns from flames but also secondary injuries from the force of the blast.
Burn Injury at Work in South Carolina
If you suffer a burn injury on the job in South Carolina, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. The state’s workers’ compensation system is designed to cover all work-related injuries. Benefits are available regardless of who was at fault. In other words, you can still recover benefits even if the accident was partly due to your own mistake. The benefits that are covered under workers’ comp in South Carolina include all reasonable and necessary medical care (such as hospital treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation), as well as wage replacement if you are unable to work while recovering. In more serious cases, you may also qualify for permanent disability benefits. A Mauldin, SC burn injury lawyer can help you seek the maximum benefits.
What to Know About Third-Party Liability for Burn Injury Claims in South Carolina
In some cases, an injured worker may also have a third-party liability claim for a burn. A third-party liability claim is a type of legal action that arises when someone other than your employer or a co-worker is responsible for your injury. For example, if a defective piece of machinery caused a thermal burn, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Along the same lines, if you were burned in a vehicle accident caused by another driver while performing work duties, you could pursue a personal injury case. You can seek additional compensation through a third-party liability claim, such as for pain and suffering.
Note: If you were burned at work, you do not need to choose between a workers’ comp claim and a third-party liability claim. You should always file for workers’ comp benefits. A third-party liability claim is an additional cause of action that may be available in certain cases.
Burned at Work, Claim Denied? You Have the Right to Appeal
Struggling to get access to your full and fair workers’ compensation benefits. If your workers’ compensation claim for a burn injury is denied in South Carolina, you still have options. As stressful and frustrating as it can be, a denial does not mean the end of your case. Instead, it simply means the insurance company has decided not to pay. They do not have a unilateral right to make the final decision on your case. You have the right to appeal the decision through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. The appeals process allows you to present medical evidence, witness testimony, and other proof that supports your claim. Our Mauldin, SC workers’ comp lawyer can help you gather and prepare all of the evidence that you need to raise a strong appeal.
Why Trust Smith & Jones Law for a Workplace Burn Injury Claim
Navigating a burn injury is not easy. It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we are a solutions-focused law firm that fights for the best possible outcome for injured workers. With a proven record of successful case results, our South Carolina workers’ comp lawyers are always ready to go the extra mile. Your initial consultation with our Mauldin workers’ comp attorney is free, confidential, and without obligation.
Contact Our Mauldin, SC Burn Injury Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our Mauldin burn injury attorney provides professional, solutions-focused guidance and support to injured victims. If you have any questions or concerns about a burn injury claim, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. With an office in Mauldin, we are well-positioned to represent injured workers throughout the Upstate.