New York City construction accident lawyer explains what to do after a burn injury
One of the most common types of construction accidents involves burn-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which raises awareness about the dangers of burn injuries in the workplace.
“Construction workers and those working in other labor trades are at an increased risk of receiving burn injuries while on the job because of the machinery and equipment required to perform their daily tasks,” a recent Occupational Health & Safety magazine article stated.
The construction accident legal team at Keogh Crispi, P.C., in Manhattan understands the risks workers face on construction sites. Our legal team has worked with many injured construction workers throughout the New York City area. To learn how a construction accident lawyer can help you, contact us today to review your potential legal options.
How common are work-related burn injuries?
Each year, nearly half a million workers – approximately 486,000 – sustain burn injuries at work, according to statistics compiled by the American Burn Association and cited by Occupational Health & Safety magazine.
Approximately 40 percent of work-related burn injuries occur due to fires or explosions, according to a medical study published by the National Library of Medicine. The same survey noted that 20 percent of work-related burn injuries happen due to thermal burns caused by the skin being exposed to extreme heat, such as scalding hot water or other liquids, steam, or hot surfaces.
Common causes of construction accident burn injuries?
Construction workers sustain burn injuries due to various hazardous situations. Occupational Health & Safety magazine noted that some of the most common causes of construction burn injuries include:
- Open flames or fires
- Electrocution
- Gas line explosions
- Chemical explosions
- Welding accidents
- Exposure to hot liquids
What should I do if I’m burned in a construction accident?
Depending on what type of burn injury someone sustained, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following steps immediately after sustaining a severe burn:
- If a fire or explosion caused your burn injury, “stop, drop and roll” immediately after being burned to smother the flames.
- Carefully remove all burned clothing. If burned clothing is stuck to the skin, cut or tear the clothing around the burned area to carefully remove it without causing additional harm to the burned area.
- Immediately remove all jewelry, belts, and tight clothing. Burned areas of the skin often swell very quickly.
- See a doctor right away. Even if you feel fine, you could be in shock. And if untreated, many burn injuries can become infected and may require emergency medical treatment.
- If another worker saw what happened, note who witnessed your burn injury. This is especially important at construction sites since the worker who saw your accident might work for another company. Make sure someone gets their name and phone number so investigators can talk to this person later.
- If hazardous working conditions caused your burn injury, take a photo or ask someone to photograph this hazard just in case there are any questions later about what happened.
- Tell your supervisor you sustained a burn injury at work. You can do this verbally or in writing.
- Call a lawyer as soon as possible.
Why should I hire a New York construction accident lawyer?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover many work-related burn injuries at construction sites in New York. But depending on your particular injury or accident circumstances, you may be eligible to receive additional financial compensation for your injury-related expenses, which can quickly add up to thousands or more.
Attorney Pat James Crispi of Keogh Crispi, P.C. can explain all the legal options available. That way, you can make informed decisions on what to do next. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation with a New York construction accident lawyer who knows how to build strong legal cases. Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan.