Stephen Hasner | Workplace Injuries | January 19, 2024
Suffering a burn injury while at work can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. In Georgia, workers who face such unfortunate incidents often find themselves navigating medical and financial challenges. No matter where you work, employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits for the injuries and losses you suffered. Alternatively, if a third party caused burn injuries due to negligence, Hasner Law attorneys can help you pursue legal recourse for the full extent of your damages.
If you suffered burns while on the job, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. At Hasner Law, we help you navigate the workers’ compensation process or other legal avenues to fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury is caused by a third party’s negligent actions or just being on the job site, we have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for Georgia workers.
2 Legal Options If You Sustain Burn Injuries on the Job in Georgia
The workers’ compensation framework serves as a primary mode of recourse, acting as an “exclusive remedy.” This typically implies that if you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, suing your employer is not an option. However, under certain circumstances, if you’re a burn injury victim, it’s possible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party. This approach can help recover additional damages not covered under workers’ compensation, like compensation for pain and suffering.
Situations where a third-party injury lawsuit may be possible include the following:
- If your injury results from defective machinery or equipment, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer
- If someone outside your employer, such as a vendor or subcontractor, acted negligently and caused your injury
- If your burn injury resulted because of a work-related vehicle accident caused by another driver
To understand your legal options and pursue benefits for your burn injuries, speak with the experienced attorneys at Hasner Law. Our legal team will take care of every detail of your workers’ compensation or third-party liability claims so you may focus on recovery.
Recoverable Damages in a Burn Injury Accident Claim
Several types of economic and non-economic damages may be recoverable when pursuing a third-party burn injury claim. These damages are used to compensate victims for the serious impacts the injury has had on their lives, which may include extended hospitalization or diminished capacity to work in the same industry.
The following are various types of damages which may be pursued in a third-party action with the help of Hasner Law attorneys by your side:
- Medical expenses: This includes costs for immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the burn injury.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Covers the income lost due to time off work following the injury. If the burn injury impacts your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to damages for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional losses caused by the burn injury, taking into account the severity and duration of the pain.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Burn injuries result in scarring and disfigurement, for which you can seek compensation due to the long-term physical and psychological suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If burn injuries keep you from engaging in activities you enjoyed, you may be eligible for compensation for this loss.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the third party’s actions were reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages punish the opposing party and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful death and survivor damages: If the burn injury results in death, the victim’s family or estate may pursue wrongful death damages, which include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other costs.
It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the types and amounts of damages recoverable will vary depending on the case. Consulting the legal team at Hasner Law is essential for a thorough understanding of what damages may be applicable in a specific situation.
Speak With the Burn Injury Attorneys at Hasner Law Today
If you suffered a burn injury while at work in Georgia, it’s essential to explore all legal avenues for compensation to help you mitigate the physical, emotional, and financial setbacks of a workplace injury. Speak with the skilled personal injury attorneys at Hasner Law, who can provide knowledgeable legal guidance, evaluate your case, and help you navigate the complexities of either a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party liability claim today.
Schedule a free consultation to speak with one of our burn injury attorneys by calling (678) 928-8784 or filling out a contact form.
