Burn Injuries and Workers’ Compensation

Burn Injuries at Work: What Georgia Workers Need to Know

Burn injuries are a common and serious risk in many Georgia workplaces. From open flames and hot liquids to electrical current and chemical exposure, these injuries can cause lasting damage to skin, nerves, and muscle. Workers may face pain, long recovery periods, and permanent disability. Georgia’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to help cover medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation.

In this blog, we explain the types of workplace burn injuries, what Georgia workers’ compensation covers, and when you may be eligible to file a claim, along with why working with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights and secure full benefits.

Common Types of Workplace Burn Injuries

Burn injuries at work can range from minor skin damage to deep tissue destruction. Each type of burn injury requires specific treatment and may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Georgia law.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns happen when the skin touches heat sources like open flames, hot liquids, steam, or heated surfaces. These injuries are common in kitchens, factories, and construction sites. Flame burns can occur during open fire cooking or due to a lack of fire safe cigarettes in smoking areas. Hot liquids from machinery or water heaters also lead to painful scalds. Thermal burns often damage the outer layer of the skin and can progress to full thickness injuries without proper first aid and wound care.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when the body comes in contact with an electrical current. These burns can damage skin, muscle, and nerve endings. Workers using faulty electrical devices or working near exposed wiring face a higher risk. Electrical burns often look minor on the surface but can cause serious internal tissue damage. Injuries from electrical current are a common job-related injury in construction, manufacturing, and utility work.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns result from exposure to strong acids, bases, or industrial solvents. These substances can burn skin and eyes, especially if safety protocols are not followed. Workers in laboratories, cleaning services, and industrial plants are more likely to suffer chemical burns. Loose clothing and lack of proper personal protective equipment increase the danger. These burns may require long-term medical care and treatment to reduce scarring and manage tissue damage.

Radiation and Other Burn Types

Burns can also result from radiation, such as during radiation therapy or exposure to ultraviolet light. Though less common, radiation burns can cause lasting damage and require specialized treatment. Other sources include friction, hot air from machinery, or even misuse of heat tools. All burn injuries should be reported immediately to support a workers’ compensation claim and ensure proper care.

How Georgia Workers’ Compensation Covers Burn Injuries

Workers in Georgia who suffer a burn injury on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The state’s workers’ compensation laws provide support for medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term care.

Basic Coverage Under Georgia Law

Under Georgia Code § 34-9-200, workers’ compensation pays for medical care required to treat burn wounds, including emergency services, surgery, wound care, and medications. This applies to all types of burn injuries, including electrical burns, chemical burns, and flame burns. Workers do not need to prove employer fault. If the injury happened at work, benefits are available.

Wage Replacement and Disability Benefits

If a burn injury causes time away from work, Georgia law allows for wage replacement benefits. These benefits usually start after seven days of missed work. More severe burns that lead to permanent disability or loss of function may qualify the worker for long-term payments. This includes cases involving full thickness burns, loss of mobility, or damage to nerve endings.

Ongoing Medical Treatment

Some burn injuries need extended medical care. Workers may need radiation therapy, physical rehabilitation, or surgery to reduce scarring. Workers’ compensation covers these costs as long as the care is related to the original injury. This includes treatment for scar tissue, pain management, and procedures to support healing of burned skin.

Reporting and Filing Requirements

To receive benefits, workers must report the injury within 30 days and file a claim within one year. Accurate records of the injury, treatment, and workplace conditions help support the claim. A workers’ compensation attorney can assist with the process and ensure deadlines are met.

Support for Severe and Long-Term Cases

Burn injuries that cause permanent damage may qualify for additional compensation. Workers with fourth degree burns, visible disfigurement, or injuries that limit their ability to work may receive benefits for permanent partial disability. The system also provides support for job retraining if a worker cannot return to the same job after recovery.

Long-Term Impact of Burn Injuries

A serious burn injury can affect the body and mind long after the initial treatment. These effects may last for years and often qualify as a permanent disability under workers’ compensation.

Physical Effects

Severe burns often damage deep layers of skin and muscle. Full thickness burns can destroy nerve endings, leaving the area numb or permanently sensitive. Scar tissue may limit movement and affect daily tasks. Skin color changes are common, especially in cases involving more severe burns or repeated injury. Some workers require skin grafts or surgery to reduce scarring and improve function. Burn wounds may also lead to infections, swelling, and long recovery times.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Burn injuries can cause emotional trauma. Workers may feel anxiety, depression, or shame after seeing the long-term changes to their skin or appearance. These issues are worse when burns are visible or affect the face, arms, or hands. Mental health support is often part of long-term treatment. Some workers need counseling to manage pain, fear, or changes in self-image.

Impact on Ability to Work

Some burn injuries make it hard or impossible to return to the same job. A full thickness burn can limit movement or cause lasting pain. Workers who use their hands, stand for long hours, or work near heat sources face more challenges. Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can provide wage replacement and support for job retraining if a worker cannot perform the same tasks after recovery.

Ongoing Medical Needs

Long-term care for burn injuries includes physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes radiation therapy. Burn wounds may take months to heal, and treatment may continue even after the skin closes. Workers may need support for daily wound care and mobility. All of these services can be covered under workers’ compensation if the injury was job related.

When Are You Eligible to File a Claim for a Workplace Burn?

To receive workers’ compensation benefits for a burn injury in Georgia, certain conditions must be met. These include the timing of the injury, how it happened, and proper reporting.

The Injury Must Be Work-Related

A burn injury must happen while performing job duties or while on the job site. Burns caused by open flame, hot liquids, electrical current, or chemicals during work tasks qualify. This includes injuries from faulty electrical devices, exposed wiring, or accidents involving hot equipment or dangerous substances. If the injury happened while doing something outside the scope of work, benefits may be denied.

You Must Report the Injury Promptly

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80 requires workers to report a job-related injury within 30 days. Report the burn to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Waiting too long can result in lost benefits. Include details about how the injury occurred, what part of the body was burned, and whether flames, hot air, or chemicals were involved.

You Must File the Claim Within One Year

To receive benefits, the official claim must be filed within one year from the date of the injury or the last medical treatment, as stated in O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82. Delays beyond this limit may prevent you from receiving medical care or lost wage payments through workers’ compensation. Keep records of medical visits, photos of the wound, and treatment plans to support your claim.

Medical Proof Supports the Claim

Burn wounds must be documented by a medical professional. A diagnosis of the burn type, such as first degree, second degree, or third degree, is required. Doctors may also assess the extent of tissue damage, need for wound care, and risk of permanent disability. These medical reports help confirm the injury’s severity and how it affects your ability to work.

Legal Help Improves Claim Success

A workers’ compensation attorney can review your case, help file paperwork, and respond to denied claims. Legal support is useful when dealing with more severe burns, such as full thickness injuries or chemical burns with lasting effects. An attorney can also check for possible third-party responsibility if faulty equipment or unsafe products caused the injury.

Contact an Experienced Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!

If you’ve suffered a burn injury at work, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Burn injuries can lead to serious medical issues, time away from work, and long-term physical or emotional effects. Our team at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.

Contact us at 470-518-5026 for a free case consultation today!