Thermal burns are among the most serious injuries workers can sustain, with lasting physical and emotional consequences. In industries like manufacturing, construction, and food service, employees are especially vulnerable to burns from open flames, heated surfaces, and scalding liquids. Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system is designed to cover medical costs, lost income, and rehabilitation expenses for employees injured on the job, including those with thermal burns. This article provides an in-depth overview of what Pennsylvania workers need to know about seeking compensation for thermal burns.

Common Causes of Thermal Burns in the Workplace

Thermal burns occur when skin tissue is damaged by extreme heat, often leading to pain, blistering, and, in severe cases, nerve damage or scarring. In the workplace, the following hazards frequently cause thermal burns:

• Open Flames: Fire is a common hazard in industrial workplaces, especially in metalworking and welding.
• Hot Surfaces or Tools: Kitchen workers and machinists risk burns from ovens, stoves, and manufacturing equipment.
• Explosions: Chemical plant explosions or combustible material mishandling can result in severe burns.
• Scalding Liquids: Hot water or steam poses a threat to those working in food production or with industrial boilers.
• Electrical Burns: While technically different, electrical burns often involve thermal components from arcing heat sources.

Understanding how these burns happen is essential for both prevention and pursuing compensation if an accident occurs.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Benefits for Burn Victims

Workers' compensation is designed to provide immediate financial relief to injured workers without requiring proof of fault. In Pennsylvania, employees who sustain thermal burns on the job are generally entitled to several types of benefits:

1. Medical Expenses:
   • Full coverage of emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing treatment.
   • Specialist visits, burn rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
2. Lost Wages (Temporary Total Disability):
   • Workers unable to return to work temporarily due to their burns can receive wage-loss benefits.
   • Compensation typically equals two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to a statewide maximum ($1,273.00 in 2024).
3. Specific Loss Benefits:
   • If burns result in permanent disfigurement or the loss of a body part, employees may receive additional compensation.
   • Pennsylvania law allows specific loss benefits for scarring of the head, face, or neck, which are evaluated based on visibility and severity.
4. Permanent Disability Benefits:
   • Workers whose burns prevent them from ever returning to work may qualify for permanent disability benefits.
   • In cases where burns leave the employee partially but permanently disabled, wage-loss benefits are adjusted accordingly.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Thermal Burn at Work

To ensure access to workers' compensation benefits, employees must take the following steps promptly after the injury:

• Report the Injury:
  • Inform your employer immediately, ideally within 21 days. Pennsylvania law requires injuries to be reported no later than 120 days from the incident for benefits eligibility.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
  • Visit an approved healthcare provider if your employer has a list of designated physicians. If not, seek medical help at any facility and inform them that the injury occurred at work.
• Document the Injury:
  • Keep detailed records of your medical visits, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Photos of the burn and any medical reports will help support your workers' compensation claim.
• File a Workers' Compensation Claim:
  • Submit the necessary claim paperwork with your employer. Employers must file the claim with their workers' compensation insurer promptly.

Failure to follow these steps could delay or jeopardize your claim. It is also advisable to speak to a workers' compensation lawyer if your claim is denied or disputed.

Challenges in Thermal Burn Claims

Burn injuries present unique challenges when pursuing compensation, especially if the injury causes permanent scarring or psychological trauma. Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system allows employers and insurers to contest claims, often leading to disputes. Some common challenges include:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurers may argue that the worker's injury was aggravated by a pre-existing condition.
• Disputes Over Medical Treatment: The insurer may deny coverage for certain treatments or deem them unnecessary.
• Psychological Impact: Burn injuries often result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, which can complicate claims. Workers need to ensure that mental health treatment is covered as part of their compensation.

Having legal representation during the claims process will make a huge difference in overcoming these challenges.

Preventing Thermal Burns in Pennsylvania Workplaces

Employers are legally required to provide safe working conditions, and prevention strategies play a vital role in reducing burn injuries. Employers should:

• Implement Safety Training: Workers should receive proper training on handling equipment and materials that pose burn risks.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing fire-resistant clothing, gloves, and face shields minimizes burn risks.
• Regularly Inspect Equipment: Routine inspections help identify hazards such as faulty wiring, gas leaks, or malfunctioning machinery.
• Establish Emergency Protocols: Employers must have procedures in place for responding to fires and burn injuries.

Although workers' compensation provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, preventing injuries is the most effective way to ensure employee safety.

Statistics on Workplace Burns in the United States

Thermal burns remain a serious occupational hazard nationwide, including in Pennsylvania.

• The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that approximately 5,000 workers are hospitalized annually due to burn injuries.
• According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over 2,000 burn-related fatalities occur in workplaces each year.
• In the food industry alone, more than 12% of all workplace injuries involve burns, underscoring the need for heightened safety measures.

These statistics highlight the importance of swift medical intervention and financial compensation for burn victims.

Conclusion

Thermal burns can leave workers in Pennsylvania with severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Fortunately, the state's workers' compensation system ensures that injured employees receive medical treatment, wage-loss benefits, and, where necessary, permanent disability payments. However, figuring out the claims process can be complex, particularly for those with significant burns or psychological trauma.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Workplace Burns can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced Workers Compensation Lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.