What Kinds of Burn Injuries Can I Suffer on a Construction Site?

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous work environments. Often full of heavy tools, heavy and large machinery, and toxic or hazardous liquids and materials, there is no end to the sources of possible injuries.

One of the most common and dangerous types of injuries sustained on construction sites are burns. Not only can you suffer burns from an open flame, but also from caustic and acidic liquids, electrical shocks, and welding accidents to name a few. On construction sites, there are many sources of burning liquids and open flames, and they can each cause different damage to the skin, muscles and other connective tissues and nerves. These injuries include:

• Electrical burns. When electrical current passes through skin tissue, it can not only cause extreme damage to the skin, but also to the muscles, tissues, and nerves beneath it. These types of injuries often occur to those who work on construction sites. Symptoms of electrical burns include severe muscle spasms, burns on the skin, weakness, tingling, confusion, headaches, seizures, and a pounding or fluttering heart.
• Chemical burns. There are a lot of toxic, corrosive chemicals on construction sites. Rust-removing solvents, paint thinners, tar – even gasoline and lime – can all be found on most work sites. In some cases, you can also sustain a chemical burn from inhaling fumes. Symptoms of a chemical burn include irritation or redness of the area, blackened or deadened skin, and numbness. If the chemicals come in contact with your eyes, you may experience loss of vision.
• Thermal burns. Thermal burns are caused by contact with hot surfaces, flames, and boiling liquids (called scalds). With injuries ranging from inflammation and redness to damaged muscle and nerves, thermal burns are serious and should be seen to as soon as possible.

Aside from the immediate physical damage that burns can cause, victims often suffer permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can make it difficult to find and retain work. Many burn victims also suffer intense emotional and psychological trauma.

What are the causes of burn injuries on construction sites?

Construction sites pose a lot of burn hazards. Some of the most common causes of burns on construction sites include:

• Welding accidents
• Defective or unsafe fuel lines and tanks
• Electrical accidents
• Demolition/ explosion accidents
• Failure to remove toxic substances (like insulation) before demolition
• Failure to provide safety equipment for workers
• Defective power tools and machinery

These sorts of burn injury accidents often happen on the job site when the employers have not been taking care of the premises, the tools, or the machinery, or they have neglected to provide the proper protective gear for workers and visitors.

Do I need a Mississippi burn injury lawyer if I get hurt at work?

Legally, you never HAVE to hire a lawyer. But burn injury cases are complex, so it is in your best interests to work with an experienced attorney on your case.

Your injury may cause you a lifetime of suffering and difficulties. From suffering disfiguring scars to possibly permanent blindness to loss of feeling in a part of your body, if your injury was brought on by neglect or by the actions of someone else, you should not have to pay for the treatments required to handle your pain and suffering. Your Mississippi burn injury lawyer can help you choose the right path for securing compensation.

Workers’ compensation exists so that if you get hurt on the job, you can get wage loss benefits and have your medical treatments paid for while you recover. However, your job’s workers’ compensation insurer may try to deny your claim, or they may try to award you the minimum amount they can. That is why it is important to have a workers’ compensation lawyer on hand to make sure you are given everything you are entitled to receive.

Even if you are eligible for workers’ compensation, it may not be enough. In this case, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. If the machinery or tools that somehow contributed to your injury were defective, the manufacturer of the machinery may be held responsible for your damages. In this case, you can also file a product liability lawsuit.

Sadly, in some situations, a worker may die due to their injuries sustained while on the job at a construction site. Construction sites are one of the top three jobs that suffer the most on-the-job deaths. Thankfully, workers’ compensation is not only there for workers who get injured on the job, but also there for the workers’ family should an unfortunate death occur at work.

However, if for some reason, you cannot receive the workers’ compensation benefits from the death of your loved one, you can always file a wrongful death claim as well. You should not have to suffer for the death of a loved one more than you already are.

If you have suffered a severe burn while on a construction site on the job, then your workers’ compensation benefits should be kicking in; however, the process may be wrought with bumps. Merkel & Cocke has secured millions for our injury clients. We know what we’re doing. Let us help you. To discuss your legal rights with a Mississippi burn injury lawyer, call us at 662-627-9641 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Clarksdale, Jackson, Oxford, Greenville, and throughout the state, including in Tupelo and the Delta Region.