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    burn injury

    Workplace burn injuries happen more often in South Carolina than many think. Employees in construction, manufacturing, food service, healthcare, and utility work face daily risks from heat, chemicals, and electricity. A burn injury can mean weeks or months away from work, painful treatment, and lasting scars.

    To protect workers, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific standards and regulations for workplace fire and burn safety and for the use and handling of hazardous chemicals and gases. South Carolina has adopted the federal OSHA standards verbatim, with a few exceptions. Despite those rules, OSHA found “fires and explosions” caused 104 workplace fatalities and 3,190 job site injuries in 2023 alone.

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped get thousands of injured South Carolina workers the benefits and compensation they needed after serious work-related injuries. Our award-winning attorneys are recognized as leaders in workers’ compensation law. Managing Partner Ken Harrell and Head of the Workers’ Comp Department Attorney Matt Jackson both served as Past Presidents of Injured Workers’ Advocates. Ken was selected as the Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America in 2015, 2021, and 2026, while Matt was chosen for the same award in 2024. Suffice to say, our team has earned the trust of our peers and clients.

    If you have suffered a burn injury at work, getting a powerful workers’ compensation attorney in your corner can make a significant difference in your recovery.

    How Joye Law Firm Handles Workplace Burn Injury Cases

    Recovering from a workplace burn injury is not just about healing physically. It also means navigating the challenges of workers’ compensation and possible third-party personal injury claims. Having guidance from a law firm that understands work-related burn injuries can make the process more transparent and less stressful.

    Listening and Understanding Your Situation

    When someone suffers a workplace burn injury, the recovery process can be overwhelming. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we start by listening to your story and understanding how the burn happened. Since 1968, we have been helping South Carolina workers after thermal burns, chemical burns, electrical burns, and radiation burns. Our passion and purpose is helping injured underdogs level the playing field. We approach every client with compassion and genuine desire to help.

    Investigating the Cause of the Injury

    We look closely at the details of the burn injury at work, including whether hazardous chemicals, hot surfaces, defective equipment, or safety regulation violations were involved. Our team collects medical records, accident reports, photographs, video, and witness statements to build a clear picture of what happened. We dig deep to uncover the truth and hold all responsible parties accountable, often representing our clients at formal hearings in front of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

    Coordinating Medical Care and Documentation

    We work with medical providers to ensure you receive appropriate medical care for burns ranging from first-degree to fourth-degree burn injuries. Detailed medical documentation helps protect your rights and supports your workers’ compensation insurance claim.

    Guiding You Through Claims and Legal Options

    For workers’ compensation claims, we make sure deadlines are met and benefits are calculated reasonably. If a third party contributed to your work-related burn injury, we can explain your legal options for pursuing additional recovery while you focus on healing. By staying true to our values, compassion, courage, and commitment to justice, we fight to ensure you have the resources needed to move forward.

    Common Types of Workplace Burn Injuries

    Workplace burn injuries can vary in cause and severity, but all have the potential to impact a worker’s health, income, and quality of life. Understanding the different types helps identify risks, improve prevention, and ensure appropriate medical care when burns occur. Here are some of the most common types of work-related burn injuries:

    • Thermal Burns: Caused by direct contact with hot objects, hot liquids, steam, or open flames. For example, restaurant workers may suffer burns from boiling water or hot oil, while manufacturing employees risk injury from heated metal or machinery.
    • Chemical Burns: Occur when skin or eyes come into contact with hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents, or caustic cleaning agents. The American Burn Association notes that these injuries can cause deep tissue damage without immediate symptoms, making personal protective equipment essential.
    • Electrical Burns: Result from electrical current passing through the body, potentially damaging skin, muscles, and internal organs. Construction workers and electricians face higher risk if safety regulations are not followed.
    • Radiation Burns: Less common but possible in medical and industrial workplaces where workers may be exposed to high levels of radiation. Without proper shielding, these burns can harm skin and underlying tissue.

    All workplace burns, whether mild or severe, should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional. Quick treatment reduces the risk of infection, scarring, and long-term complications.

    Young Workers and Workplace Burns

    According to OSHA, burn injuries are shockingly common among teenage employees in restaurants. Young employees, especially those who work as fry cooks, are at special risk for workplace thermal burn injuries. Factors such as inexperience, improper training, and the pressure to “keep up” during busy periods can lead to errors.

    Kitchen workers of all ages are exposed to burn injuries caused by hot oil, grease, steam, hot food and beverages, and equipment such as stoves, grills, steamers, and fryers. Deep fat fryers are the No. 1 cause of burn injuries among restaurant workers, OSHA says.

    Child labor laws generally do not permit workers younger than 16 to cook, except at soda fountains, lunch counters, snack bars, and cafeteria serving counters. Sadly, these laws are often ignored for a young worker who looks capable or by an employer who needs to fill a position. Cutting those corners places child workers at risk for serious injuries.

    Severity Levels of Burn Injuries

    Burn injury classifications help injured workers recognize the seriousness of their condition and seek the proper treatment promptly. In workplace settings, early action can limit damage, speed recovery, and protect your rights under workers’ compensation laws.

    Severity Levels of Workplace Burn Injuries

    First Degree Burns

    First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and discomfort. While these burns may heal within a week, they still require proper cleaning and monitoring to prevent infection. Even a seemingly minor burn injury at work should be documented and reported to your employer.

    Second Degree Burns

    Second-degree burns damage both the outer layer and part of the underlying dermis. These burns often cause blisters, intense pain, and swelling. Medical attention is important, as improper care can lead to scarring, infection, or delayed healing. Workers in kitchens, manufacturing plants, and construction sites are more likely to experience these injuries due to hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces.

    Third Degree Burns

    Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and may damage muscle, nerves, and bone. The skin may appear charred, white, or leathery, and pain might be reduced due to nerve damage. The American Burn Association recommends that these burns be treated in specialized burn units. Surgical procedures, such as skin grafts, are often necessary.

    Fourth Degree Burns

    Fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin and muscle, damaging tendons and bone. These severe burns are life-threatening and typically require emergency surgery, long-term hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Injuries of this severity in the workplace may result from electrical accidents, open flames, or defective equipment.

    Workers’ Compensation and Legal Options

    In South Carolina, most injured workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If you suffer a burn injury at work, this coverage typically pays for all your medical treatment and a portion of your weekly wages while you recover. Workers’ compensation applies to all types of burn injuries, including thermal burns, electrical burns, chemical burns, and radiation burns.

    Sometimes, a work-related burn injury is caused by a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment. In these cases, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. Third-party personal injury claims can help recover costs for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses not covered by workers’ compensation.

    Filing a personal injury claim requires documentation. This includes medical bills, photographs of the injury, and any reports about the cause. An experienced attorney can help you understand the process, protect your rights, and pursue the benefits or compensation you deserve. Acting quickly is essential to meet filing deadlines and preserve evidence.

    FAQs About Workplace Burn Injuries in South Carolina

    WC Burn Injuries

    What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury at work in South Carolina?

    After a workplace burn, you should seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Promptly report the incident to your employer, document the circumstances with photos and witness statements if possible, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This ensures your injury is treated correctly and helps protect your workers’ compensation claim.

    Can I choose my own doctor for a workplace burn injury in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance provider generally has the right to choose the doctor who treats you for a work-related injury. If you see your own doctor without prior approval, you may have to pay for those visits yourself, unless it is an emergency situation.

     

    What if my employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance?

    Most South Carolina employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not have coverage, you may still have options through the South Carolina Uninsured Employers’ Fund or by filing a lawsuit against your employer.

    How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim for a burn injury in South Carolina?

    You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days of the accident, and in most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Missing these deadlines could result in losing your right to benefits.

    Can workplace burn injuries lead to permanent disability benefits?

    Yes. If your burn injury results in permanent impairment or loss of function, such as nerve damage, reduced mobility, or disfigurement, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits under South Carolina workers’ compensation laws. The amount and duration of benefits will depend on the extent of your impairment.

    Call Our Workplace Burn Injury Lawyers to Help You with Workers’ Compensation Claims

    Workplace burn injuries can happen in seconds but cause months or years of recovery. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of South Carolina workers get compensation after serious work-related injuries. Our team can explain workers’ compensation, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue any additional claims that may be applicable.

    If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury at work, call (888) 324-3100 today to discuss your legal options. We are ready to listen and help you take the following steps toward recovery.

    (888) 324-3100
    Ken Harrell at Charleston Office