Workplace burn injuries often leave workers with physical and emotional scars. Depending on how burns heal, a person’s mobility may be permanently impaired. Burns are extremely painful and expensive to treat.
When you have been injured in a workplace burn injury accident, you are entitled to pursue Iowa workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of your medical treatment and lost wages. If the burns have resulted in the loss of use of a part of your body, you are entitled to pursue compensation for temporary or permanent partial disability.
Talk to an attorney at Loney & Schueller in West Des Moines for answers. The attorneys at our firm have more than 40 years of combined experience helping injured workers recover the benefits they deserve. We provide compassionate, personalized counsel to injured workers. We represent clients throughout Iowa. If you cannot come to us, we’ll come to you.
Common Workplace Burn Injuries
The most common types of burns at work are thermal, scalding, chemical and electrical burns. Although burns can occur in any occupation, workers in the following fields are more likely to suffer a burn injury:
- Construction workers
- Restaurant and fast food workers
- Electricians
- Welders
- Volunteer firefighters
- Chemical plant workers
- Paper mill workers
- Automobile and trucking industry workers
Scarring From Workplace Burns
Scarring is the result of a body healing itself. A scar is a buildup of excess collagen tissue that the body creates to try and protect the affected areas. Three types of scars can develop:
Keloid scars — Keloid scars are created by an overgrowth of collagen tissue. They are raised and may range in color. Keloids can be distinguished from hypertrophic scars because they grow beyond the area that was originally burned.
Hypertrophic scars — Hypertrophic scars are recognizable because they are red and raised. They are confined to the site of the burn injury.
Burn scar contractures — Burn scar contractures refer to the tightening of the skin as the tissue surrounding the affected area pulls together to heal. These are commonly associated with severe burn injuries and must be treated carefully.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits To Treat Burn Injuries
Severe burns require a great deal of care to prevent infection and minimize scarring. Once a person has recovered from the initial burn, surgery and skin grafts may be needed to improve range of motion and other burn complications. Because burn injuries are so traumatizing, a person may also need psychological care.
To ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve, it is important to have a workers’ compensation lawyer by your side. Our lawyers understand the workers’ compensation process and how to maximize your compensation.
Our Workplace Burn Injury Lawyers Can Help
Find out how we can help you. We want you to understand your options and your rights. We will explain the workers’ compensation process and let you know what you can expect.
You do not need to worry about the cost of an attorney. We work on a contingent fee basis. This means that we are not paid unless you recover monetary damages.
We invite you to call our firm today to schedule a consultation. We represent workplace burn injury victims throughout Iowa. Wherever you live and work, we can come to you. We believe that everyone, especially those who live in smaller cities, are entitled to quality legal representation. Call our firm in West Des Moines at 515-225-4485 or toll free at 888-857-9266. You can also reach us by completing our online contact form.