Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Claims

Helping Illinois Workers Recover Benefits for Job-Related Burns

Workplace accidents in Illinois can place employees at risk. Many workers suffer from burn injuries every year in this state, caused by various workplace hazards. If you suffer a burn injury in the course of your employment, you may be eligible for insurance benefits. A burn injury workers’ compensation claim can help you recover the losses from your accident.

If you need assistance securing the maximum compensation you deserve, IL Work Injury Lawyer will provide legal guidance. Our team has decades of experience supporting employees who have suffered from job-related accidents, including workplace burn injuries. 

Our Chicago-based team of expert workers’ compensation attorneys represent clients throughout the state who have gotten hurt or sick on the job, whether their injuries are caused by electrocution, chemical exposure, or heavy equipment. 

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Our top-rated firm has extensive experience with injured workers in Illinois. Attorneys from IL Work Injury Lawyer are recognized among the top 5% by Super Lawyers. We also maintain an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. 

Example Burn Injury Cases Handled by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

We have secured numerous workers’ compensation settlements for past clients to recover medical bills, lost income, permanent disability benefits, and other losses:

• $1.87 million – Jerome, a laborer at a warehouse in Cicero, was injured when a mislabeled container of industrial cleaner splashed onto his skin, causing chemical burns. The container had been stored in an unmarked area, violating several safety codes. The settlement reflected the avoidable nature of the injury and ongoing medical needs.
• $2.55 million – Victor, a welder working on a bridge over the Calumet River, suffered serious arm injuries when an unexpected explosion occurred during routine repairs. The blast was caused by a buildup of gas that had not been properly ventilated. His compensation reflected the physical trauma and long-term impact on his welding career.
• $7.4 million – Monica, a 33-year-old worker at a food processing facility in Aurora, suffered extensive chemical burns while cleaning a storage tank. The employer failed to provide protective gear or warnings about hazardous residue inside the tank. Her injuries led to permanent skin damage and emotional trauma, both major factors in the settlement.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Work-Related Burn Injuries in Illinois?

Burn injuries can occur in almost any industry. Here are some of the most common causes of workplace burn injuries:

• Thermal burns from open flames, hot surfaces, or steam
• Chemical burns from exposure to acids, alkalis, or cleaning agents
• Electrical burns from contact with live wires or faulty equipment
• Radiation burns from industrial or medical equipment
• Scalds from hot liquids or pressurized steam lines
• Light burns from sunlight or ultraviolet light
• Friction burns

What Types of Burns Are Eligible for Workers’ Comp?

Burn injuries are classified into four categories. 

• First-degree burns – Affect only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Symptoms include redness, some pain, and dry skin.
• Second-degree burns – These burn injuries affect the epidermis and dermis, typically causing redness, painful blisters, and swelling.
• Third-degree burns – Third-degree burns cause tissue damage to the muscles and fat layers beneath the skin. The skin may appear white, charred, and leathery. 
• Fourth-degree burns – The most severe burns can penetrate all the way to the fascia and bones, often requiring extensive skin grafts or amputation. 

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available for Burn Victims in Illinois?

State law 820 ILCS 305 grants injured employees the ability to pursue benefits through workers’ compensationinsurance. Here are the types of losses for which you can obtain compensation:

• Medical expense coverage, including surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits (short-term wage replacement)
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits (short-term wage difference coverage)
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits (long-term wage difference coverage)
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits (long-term wage replacement)
• Vocational rehabilitation costs for any necessary training to learn a new role
• Death benefits for surviving dependents

How to File a Burn Injury Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois

• Report your work-related burn injury to your employer within 45 days
• Seek medical attention immediately, especially for serious burns, and document everything
• Document the scene, such as taking photos, noting safety violations, and gathering witness statements
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC)
• Keep all medical and expense records to support your claim, including medical bills
• Work with one of our top attorneys to ensure all benefits are calculated accurately, including disfigurement and scarring

What If My Burn Injury Claim Is Denied?

Insurance companies will find plenty of reasons to deny a claim involving workplace burn injuries. Some of the most common disputes include:

• Claiming your injury did not occur at work
• Claiming your injury was pre-existing
• Claiming the injury happened due to your violation of safety policies

If your claim is denied for a burn injury at work, you can file an appeal with the IWCC. IL Work Injury Lawyer will guide you through the appeal process and prepare you for the IWCC hearing. Together, we will fight to overturn the decision and secure compensation for lost wages, medical treatment costs, and disability benefits. 

Are There Other Compensation Options for a Burn Injury at Work?

Third-party liability lawsuits are an option if someone other than your employer is responsible for the burn accident. A personal injury claim could include defective equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, or negligent contractors as liable parties. 

Several laws may affect the outcome of your injury claim:

• 740 ILCS 130/ (Premises Liability Act) – Property owners must take reasonable care to prevent hazards that could cause injuries
• 735 ILCS 5/2-21 – (Product Liability Act) – Manufacturers can be held liable for defective designs or manufacturing defects that cause injuries
• 740 ILCS 100/ (Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act) – Allows for the allocation of fault among multiple negligent parties

How Long Do Illinois Workers Have to File a Claim?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury victims have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery to pursue legal action against a third party. 

For employees, the deadline to file workers’ compensation cases is three years from the date of the injury or two years from the last benefit payment, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)). 

How Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help 

A burn injury at work can turn your life upside down, both physically and financially. IL Work Injury Lawyer can provide the following legal services to ensure your financial future is secure:

• Investigating workplace safety violations and OSHA compliance
• Working with burn specialists to document medical needs and permanent scarring
• Representing clients in settlement negotiations and IWCC hearings

FAQs

What are the consequences of severe burn injuries?

A burn injury at work could have serious consequences, including severe pain, permanent injuries, ongoing medical care, surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, and a reduced capacity to work. 

Does workers’ compensation cover rehabilitation costs?

Yes, workers’ compensation can cover numerous medical benefits, including the cost of rehabilitation. 

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

Evidence that can prove your workplace injuries includes accident reports, witness statements, doctor testimony, photos of the hazard, and surveillance footage. 

What if I was partially at fault for the injury?

For workers’ comp, fault is irrelevant unless you were breaking company policy. For personal injury cases, you can seek damages if you are no more than 50% responsible for the accident. 

What if my burn was caused by faulty equipment?

You can still seek benefits through the workers’ compensation system for faulty equipment injuries, but you could also pursue a third-party claim against the manufacturer. 

Can I file for both workers’ comp benefits and a third-party lawsuit?

You can pursue both legal options concurrently if someone other than your employer caused your work-related injuries. 

Which occupations are most at risk of burns?

Some of the most dangerous industries for burns include construction sites, manufacturing plants, food service businesses, and factory settings.

Can burn injuries at work be prevented?

If all employers and employees follow OSHA PPE regulations and practice strong safety protocols, almost all workplace burn injuries can be prevented. 

Book a Free Consultation 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our Chicago office can represent clients throughout the state. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced work injury attorney.