Every day, construction workers all around the country are at constant risk of sustaining severe injuries in the workplace. Out of the many possible injuries a construction worker can experience, burn injuries are one of the most common and painful. Things like chemicals, gasoline, leaking gas pipes, and more can lead to severe burn injuries. Injured workers often require ongoing and costly medical treatment until they fully recover from their injuries. If you were injured in a burn accident at a construction site, you could be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, and suffering.
The Philadelphia injury lawyers for construction site burns at The Reiff Law Firm may be able to help. We fight tirelessly and aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve from at-fault employers and other negligent parties. To learn more about your construction injury case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices at (215) 709-6940 today.
What are the Most Common Causes of Construction Burn Injuries?
Construction sites are full of heavy machinery, equipment, power tools, and materials. Some of these items commonly cause burn injuries and other serious problems for construction workers. Among the common causes for burn injuries at construction sites are the following
Lack of training
Working at a construction site often requires the use of dangerous tools, like torch welders. These and other tools can create sparks that can cause burns or start serious fires when handled improperly. Proper training in the management of every piece of equipment is necessary to avoid any possible accidents from poor training. Inadequate training and lack of experience could lead to accidental burn injuries in the construction industry.
Exposure to heat
Exposure to heat caused by scalding liquids, steam, and fires can lead to dangerous, life-threatening injuries. Depending on the severity of the damage a person can suffer from painful burn injuries that could take extended recovery time and continuous medical attention. Boiling tar, hot machinery, welding torches, and other objects can cause serious burns if you touch them without the proper safety gear. Your employer is usually responsible for ensuring you have the right gear to keep you safe at work.
Exposure to electrical sources
Wiring in construction is as necessary as it is dangerous. Exposure to energized panels and exposed wires can lead to burn injuries and in severe cases death. If there is poor communication and you are not aware that a wire is live, you could face serious injuries or death because of your supervisor’s bad communication and warnings.
Exposure to Chemicals
Many corrosive and dangerous chemicals are used in the construction industry. Etching and cleaning chemicals can cause serious irritation if they touch your skin or get in your eyes. Even cement can be a harmful irritant, causing serious injuries.
Common Types of Burn Injuries
Generally, burn injuries are divided into different degrees. The higher the degree number, the more serious the injury. The types of burn injuries are as follows:
First-degree burning injuries
Compared to other burn injuries, first degree burns are considered mild. This type of injury affects the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and pain. Conventional treatment for first-degree burn injuries includes ointments, aloe vera, pain relief medicine, and other localized medication.
Second-degree burning injuries
Second-degree burn injuries are more dangerous than first-degree burns, as they cause more extensive damage. Generally, second-degree burn injuries affect the outer and lower layer of the skin. In addition to pain and redness, burn injuries if this type can cause blistering and swelling to the affected area. Conventional treatment for this injury includes the use of antibiotics, creams, and ointments. Second-degree burns can take from two weeks to a month to heal completely.
Third-degree burning injuries
This type of burn injury is more severe than the other degrees. Third-degree burn injuries affect the outer and lower layers of the skin, penetrating deeper and affecting nerves and other tissue. Charred or blackened skin is a common characteristic of these burns. There is no set timeline for recovery, which is why immediate medical attention is essential. Depending on the severity of the burn, third-degree burn injuries could take weeks, months, or years to heal fully. As a recovery method, victims often need surgery and skin grafts to replace the damaged tissue.
Burn injuries could cause lost wages and steep medical bills. However, you could be entitled to receive compensation for your damages from those responsible. An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you file your injury claim.
Our Philadelphia Construction Site Burn Injury Lawyers Can Help
Dealing with a burn injury can be frustrating, overwhelming, and painful. This type of injury could prevent you from returning to work, and the healing process could take a long time. Burn injuries affect not only the victim but also their family and loved ones. At The Reiff Law Firm we understand how severe and burdensome dealing with a severe burn injury is for the victim. Let our experience and skill work for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. To learn more about your options in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (215) 709-6940.
