Work injury lawyer discusses claims for burns and how to ensure legal rights are protected after a workplace accident.
We believe all employees should be educated about their legal rights. This information can be used to stop employers from taking advantage by refusing to make a work injury claim. It is common for employees who suffer burns to be told that medical treatment or time off is unnecessary. This happens a lot in restaurants where employees are often treated like children. Here is some information about workers’ comp for burns in Michigan and how to protect legal rights.
A burn can happen from exposure to heat, chemicals, sunlight, electricity, or radiation. Skin tissue gets damaged and can result in pain, redness, swelling, blisters, peeling skin, scars, infection. Severe burns can even result in death. Please speak with a medical professional should a burn occur and get treatment right away. Make sure to explain how it occurred on-the-job.
Claims to workers’ comp for accidental burns in Michigan are very common and have different classifications. First degree burns are relatively minor and usually treated at home. Second degree burns are more serious and should be watched closely. Third-degree burns may require skin grafts and can be life threatening.
Complications from severe burns include heart rhythm disturbances, low blood pressure, and shock. Employees with second or third-degree burns might need to be hospitalized for medical treatment. Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have trouble returning to their jobs.
It is up to a medical professional to determine the severity of the burn and course of treatment. We recommend anyone who suffers from a burn be seen by a medical professional. Accidents happen and that is the purpose of workman’s compensation.
About workers’ comp claims for burns in Michigan
In Michigan, workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for burns. This includes ambulance runs and emergency room visits. Cosmetic surgery is also covered to help with any scarring or disfigurement. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed.
Employees who are unable to work can also collect lost wages. The amount paid should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. This includes money for tips, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs. It is important to report all income so that a proper wage loss calculation can be made.
Watch Out for bad employers
Watch out for employers who refuse to provide medical treatment. Promises to pay under the table are rarely kept and it gives the employer total control. Never lie to an emergency room about what happened because that can jeopardize future entitlement to medical and wage loss benefits.
A claim for Michigan workers’ comp is not something to be ashamed about when burned. It is designed to protect individuals hurt on-the-job. It does not matter who was at fault provided it occurred in the course and scope of employment. Even a certain amount of horseplay is anticipated and will not disqualify a person for collecting. It is critical to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan when a burn occurs. Call our experienced work injury lawyers if legal rights are being denied.
What is the average workers comp burn injury settlement?
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified average workers’ comp burn injury settlement amount. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout amount for a work-related injury in Michigan was $62,315.56 in 2022.
The amount awarded depends upon several factors. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person will be disabled from employment. A person’s age, education, and occupation play critical roles.
Watch out for insurance companies who make lowball settlement offers. This is typically based upon biased medical reports from so called “independent” doctors. The truth is that insurance companies use the same physicians over and over again because they expect a cut-off.
Suffered a burn injury on the job in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim? Contact our attorneys now for a free consultation
If you suffered a burn injury on the job in Michigan and need help with you workers’ comp claim, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from on the job injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim and settlement is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled employees exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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