Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Burn Injuries In Maryland
The first full week of February marks National Burn Awareness Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness about burn injuries and promoting prevention strategies. Burns are among the most common types of on-the-job injuries in Maryland and can impact employees in a variety of occupations. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney wants you to know the risks. We explain how work-related burns often happen and your rights in filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim.
Work-Related Burn Injuries In Maryland: Common Causes
The National Institutes of Health reports that burns are one of the most common types of injuries and send more than 600,000 people to hospital emergency rooms each year. They often happen on the job, and while firefighters are at high risk, they also impact people in health care, construction, manufacturing, food service, and other industries.
Burn injuries can be extremely painful, disfiguring, and potentially life-threatening. Among the common causes of work-related burn injuries in Maryland include:
- Thermal burns due to contact with open flames, hot surfaces, or steam;
- Chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances;
- Electrical burns due to exposure to live currents;
- Radiation burns caused by ultraviolet light or other radiation sources.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Burn Injuries in Maryland
If you suffer burn injuries at work, report it immediately to your supervisor or employer and seek medical attention. Even a seemingly minor or superficial burn can seriously impact your health. Fortunately, benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) can help with getting appropriate medical care and can offset other losses.
These benefits protect workers who suffer burns or other injuries on the job and in the course of performing work-related duties. Common types of benefits available include:
- Medical benefits, covering the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, skin grafts or other procedures, medication, and physical therapy, if needed;
- Temporary Total Disability benefits, which reimburse up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you recover from work-related burn injuries;
- Permanent Partial Disability benefits, which can compensate you for permanent impairments you may suffer or disfigurement for scarring;
- Permanent Total Disability benefits if your burn injuries prevent you from returning to work in any capacity.
To protect your rights to workers’ compensation in Maryland, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and work restrictions. Keep copies of all medical records, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages. Respond promptly to any communications from the WCC or your employer’s insurer. Contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney so we can protect your rights.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Burns are among the most common and potentially debilitating types of injuries. They are incredibly painful, often result in lasting scars, and can be life-threatening in some cases. When these injuries happen on the job, workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland help cover your medical care and other losses.
To protect your rights to these benefits, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. We guide you through the claims process and fight for the maximum amount available. Request a consultation today with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.
Sources:
ameriburn.org/advocacy-and-prevention/burn-awareness-week/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38609187/
