San Diego Workplace Burn Injury Lawyer
San Diego Workplace Burn Injury Attorney
Getting the workers’ comp settlement that you deserve can often be a difficult process. That’s true even for those who have suffered some of the most difficult workplace injuries, such as a severe burn. Workers’ compensation insurance providers can sometimes be difficult to deal with and may deny your claim or reduce your payout. A San Diego workplace burn injury lawyer can be a tremendous asset for obtaining the compensation that you’re owed.
Why You Should Consider a San Diego Workplace Burn Injury Lawyer
A San Diego workers’ compensation lawyer could be the difference between getting the compensation that you need and not receiving it. The workers’ compensation process can be convoluted and a challenge to navigate.
One of the most impactful aspects of working with a lawyer in San Diego, CA is having someone there who understands the full complexity of the situation and how to properly work through the process. They can ensure that you have the proper paperwork, forms, and documentation, and they can see that they are submitted to the proper entities.
A lawyer can also be a significant help if there are any delays, disputes, or other issues with your application. An injury attorney can represent you and advocate for you through the hearings, appeals, and other legal procedures that are necessary to address these issues. Their knowledge and experience can be crucial to ensuring that a formidable case is made on your behalf. At Diefer Law Group, P.C., you’ll find a team ready to do what they can to help your situation.
Kinds of Workplace Burns
Workplace burns could be mild and require very little, if any, medical attention. In other cases, though, they can be so severe that they permanently alter someone’s life or could even lead to death. Some mild burns, such as first-degree burns, may only have slight pain and redness.
However, fourth-degree burns can involve damage through several layers of tissue, all the way to the bone, and they can require surgeries and extensive treatment. The severity of the burn could have an impact on how long you could miss work and the kind of compensation that you will require.
Some of the potential kinds of burns that could occur in the workplace include:
- Thermal Burn – If significant heat is the source of the burn, whether from flame, steam, liquid, or another heat source, this is a thermal burn.
- Cold Burn (Frostbite) – Extremely cold temperatures could also produce burn-like symptoms in the form of frostbite. Those who work outdoors in cold temperatures or in freezers could be at risk for these injuries.
- Chemical Burn – Some chemicals and chemical mixtures could lead to an injury when inhaled or having come into contact with skin or eyes. These burns can occur in places where such chemicals are regularly used, like cleaning, some laboratories, and some manufacturing.
- Electrical Burn – Electrocution can sometimes burn and cause injuries to deep tissues, so anywhere with exposed wires, in particular, could create a risk for these kinds of burns.
San Diego Workplace Burn Injury FAQs
Q: What Could Lead to a Claim Being Denied?
A: There are a few different circumstances that could lead to a workers’ comp claim being denied. In particular, the injury not occurring at work, not notifying your employer soon enough, or filing the claim late are all potential issues. There is also a chance that problems with paperwork, not following proper procedure, or other errors could lead to the rejection of a claim as well.
Q: What Does Workers’ Compensation Pay For?
A: The bulk of a workers’ comp settlement will generally go toward medical bills and wage compensation. All your costs for treatment, medication, surgeries, and other medical means of addressing the injuries will be covered. A portion of your wages will be covered, subject to limitations. Your lawyer can help you understand what you can expect to receive in your case. If your injuries are severe enough to require a change of career, vocational rehabilitation could be covered as well.
Q: Is My Employer Exempt From Needing Workers’ Comp Insurance?
A: While there is a chance that your employer could be exempt from needing to carry workers’ comp insurance, that is highly unlikely. Almost every employer in California, whether private or government, regardless of the number of employees, is supposed to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
There are a few limited exceptions to the rule, but a lawyer can help you understand whether your employer qualifies. If your employer has failed to purchase workers’ comp insurance when they were supposed to, they could be subject to significant penalties and still be liable for any injuries.
Q: When Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Need to Be Filed By?
A: In most cases, the time to file a claim with the government is one year from the time of your burn injury. It’s possible that there could be some minor exceptions to this. While this is the deadline for the government claim, you will need to report the injury to your employer much sooner. Typically, they will need to be notified within 30 days. With burn injuries, this usually isn’t an issue, as they are typically identified immediately.
A San Diego Workplace Burn Injury Lawyer Could Help You Get the Compensation That You Need
If you’re dealing with a workplace burn injury, then you’re owed compensation for the costs associated with your injury. Burns, especially those that are more severe, can require significant medical treatment, which can come at a steep cost. Missing work and pay can also be a significant issue in the case of burn injuries. Your employer is most likely required to, and should, have workers’ compensation insurance to cover these costs.
As with most insurance companies, there’s often some hesitancy in paying the workers’ comp settlement that’s owed. There are, though, legal remedies that could help you get the compensation that you deserve.
To ensure that you are following the proper procedures and taking full advantage of every opportunity available to you, it can be vital to work with a San Diego workplace burn injury lawyer. At Diefer Law Group, P.C., we help workplace burn victims seek the fair compensation they are owed. Contact us to discuss your injury and how we might be able to help.
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