Thermal burns are one of the most serious types of workplace injuries, often resulting from exposure to extreme heat, open flames, or hot objects. These injuries can happen in various industries, from construction sites to food service and manufacturing plants. In New York, workers who sustain thermal burns on the job are typically entitled to workers' compensation, which helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits. This article explores how workers' compensation applies to thermal burns, the types of benefits available, and steps to take if you experience this kind of injury.

Understanding Thermal Burns in the Workplace

Thermal burns happen when the skin comes into direct contact with a heat source, like fire, hot metal, or steam. Depending on the severity, these burns can range from minor to life-threatening conditions that require extensive medical care.

Common Causes of Thermal Burns at Work:

• Open flames: Often present in kitchens, construction sites, and factories.
• Hot surfaces: Workers might come into contact with heated machinery or tools.
• Scalding liquids: Particularly common in the food service and manufacturing industries.
• Explosions: Combustible materials can cause devastating burns, often seen in industrial and chemical environments.
• Welding and cutting equipment: Heat and sparks from welding or cutting can easily cause thermal burns.

Injuries from thermal burns can lead to long-term medical treatments, including surgeries and skin grafts, making workers' compensation benefits essential for affected employees.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Thermal Burns in New York

Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In New York, if you sustain thermal burns on the job, you are entitled to the following benefits:

Medical Expenses

One of the core components of workers' compensation is coverage for medical treatments related to your injury. This can include:

• Hospital stays and emergency room visits.
• Burn treatments, including debridement and skin grafts.
• Medications for pain management and infection prevention.
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation, especially if the burns impact mobility or function.

Lost Wages

Thermal burns can result in extensive time away from work, either due to hospitalization or recovery at home. Workers' compensation provides wage replacement for employees who are unable to work because of their injuries. In New York, workers can receive two-thirds of their average weekly income, up to a state-mandated maximum. As of 2024, the maximum benefit is $1,145.43 per week.

Permanent Disability

Severe burns often lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other long-lasting complications. If a worker sustains permanent damage due to a burn injury, they may be eligible for permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits. This depends on the extent of the injury and how it affects the worker's ability to perform their job.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In cases where the burn injury prevents the employee from returning to their previous occupation, workers' compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation. This includes job retraining and placement services, helping the injured worker transition to a new role or field.

Death Benefits

Tragically, severe thermal burns can be fatal. In such cases, the worker's surviving dependents may be eligible for death benefits under New York's workers' compensation system. These benefits include funeral expenses and a portion of the worker's weekly wages for surviving family members.

Steps to Take if You Suffer a Thermal Burn at Work

If you experience a thermal burn on the job, taking the right steps is key to making sure you receive the compensation and medical care you need:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The priority is getting treated. Even minor burns can become severe if not properly treated.
2. Report the Injury: In New York, workers are required to tell their employer of a workplace injury within 30 days. Failing to report the injury within that time frame can jeopardize your workers' compensation claim.
3. File a Workers' Compensation Claim: After reporting the injury, file a formal workers' compensation claim with your employer. This starts the process of receiving benefits
4. Follow Doctor's Orders: To maintain your workers' compensation eligibility, it is important to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Thermal Burn Statistics and Workers' Compensation in New York

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that burn injuries account for approximately 5% of all workplace injuries each year in the United States, with a significant portion being thermal burns. While New York has specific safety regulations aimed at reducing burn risks in the workplace, accidents still occur, especially in high-risk industries like construction and food service.

In a typical year, thousands of New York workers file workers' compensation claims related to thermal burns. These cases highlight the importance of maintaining safe work environments, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring that workers are properly trained in fire safety and heat exposure protocols.

Prevention Tips:

• Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Gloves, aprons, and face shields can reduce the risk of burns in high-heat environments.
• Proper Training: Workers should receive training on how to handle hot materials, machinery, and potentially flammable substances.
• Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that machinery and safety equipment are regularly inspected to prevent malfunctions that could lead to burns.

Conclusion

Thermal burns can have devastating effects, not only on a worker's health but also on their financial well-being. Workers' compensation in New York offers vital support for those who suffer from these injuries, covering everything from medical care to wage replacement. If you or a loved one has suffered a thermal burn at work, understanding your rights and taking swift action can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Injured? The Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Workers Comp Lawyers, Can Help

If the unfortunate happens and you’ve been injured in a work accident, don’t go at it alone. An experienced lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our long track record of success has helped people like you move forward after sustaining an injury caused by another’s negligence. 

Contact us now for a free legal review.