As a new employee, going in on your first day may be exciting and nerve-racking. The last thing you think would happen is getting hurt. Although it doesn’t happen often, it could happen to you. Usually, employees can seek workers’ compensation, but are you eligible for those benefits after working only a couple of hours? The short answer is yes.

Workers’ compensation eligibility

Typically, new employees have to undergo a grace period ranging from one to three months. During this time, they cannot receive benefits like PTO, health insurance, and sick days. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can be accessed immediately. In addition, it does not matter how long or short an employee has been at a job; they are permitted to seek workers comp if injured.

A few requirements must be met to claim workers’ compensation benefits, but they are unrelated to the length of employment. The requirements include the following:

• The injury or illness happens during employment hours, either on-site or traveling.
• The injury or illness happens as a result of a job risk or hazard.
• The injury or illness causes you to miss at least eight or more work days.

Possible first-day injury situations

Suffering an injury on your first day of work is an unfortunate scenario for some employees. There are different ways you can get hurt on the job like:

• Poor training – Many types of occupations involve manual labor and the usage of heavy machinery. For these jobs, intensive training is necessary to protect the safety of employees. Lack of training or non-in-depth training can cause a worker or workers to get hurt.
• Unlucky accidents – Sometimes, no matter how much precaution is taken, work-related accidents happen.
• Insufficient safety equipment – Safety equipment is crucial for all employees, no matter what level of experience.

Report your injury no matter what

Being new, it is normal to not want to speak up, but not doing so can hurt the credibility of your workers’ comp case. Don’t be afraid to report your injury. You will not lose your job, it is, in fact, against the law for you to be fired for seeking workers’ comp benefits.

It’s also important to take the necessary steps to not only attain benefits but ensure your injury is properly treated. Seek medical care as soon as possible, and don’t worry about any financial burdens. Your medical bills can be covered through your workers’ comp benefits.

Need help with your workers’ compensation claim? Contact our law firm.

Workers’ compensation cases are all different, especially if your injury happened on the first day of work. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl know exactly how overwhelming a situation like that can be. We take every case that comes our way seriously to help injured workers be fairly compensated. We have extensive experience dealing with workers’ compensation cases in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

If you’ve been injured on the job, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We have the answers to your questions. We have three offices located in Fall River, Foxborough, and Providence.

Workplace burns are a painful reality for many employees

Work-related burn injuries can result in extensive medical treatment and a long recovery period. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), the average hospital stay for a burn patient is about two weeks, and recovery can take several months or even years, depending on the severity of the burn.

Burns are among the most devastating work-related injuries, often causing immense physical pain, disfigurement, and long-lasting consequences. This type of injury is particularly prevalent among workers exposed to hot surfaces, hazardous substances, electrical systems, or boilers.

You should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in the event of a workplace burn, but obtaining these benefits can be challenging. This is where the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl comes in. Our dedicated team of workers’ compensation lawyers is committed to supporting injured workers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

If you have suffered a burn injury while on the job, our attorneys are here to help. With offices in Fall River, Foxborough, and Providence, we offer legal assistance to injured workers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Understanding the different types of burns and their severity

Burns sustained in the workplace come in various forms and levels of intensity. Some types of burns that can be sustained on the job include:

• Thermal burns caused by flames or overheated machinery
• Electrical burns resulting from contact with live electrical sources
• Chemical burns caused by harmful substances
• Scalding burns inflicted by hot liquids or steam
• Radiation burns inflicted by ultraviolet light

The severity of burn injuries is determined by the number of skin layers affected:

• First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin
• Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the underlying dermis, resulting in swelling, blisters, and severe pain.
• Third-degree burns, the most severe type of burn, damage all three layers of skin, causing black, brown, and white spots and the destruction of nerves.

Workers in manufacturing, construction, refineries, and restaurants are most susceptible to burn injuries, but burns can occur in any workplace. It’s important for all workers to be aware of the different types of burns and their severity and to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from these injuries.

An overview of complications associated with burn injuries

The aftermath of a burn injury can be debilitating, with various complications presenting themselves as the injury heals. From bacterial infections that can lead to sepsis, to blood and fluid loss, to a dangerous drop in body temperature, the ramifications of a burn injury can be far-reaching. Additionally, scarring and excessive scar tissue formation are common consequences of burn injuries.

Minor burns may heal with minimal treatment and time away from work. However, severe burns can take several months to recover and can result in permanent disfigurement, amputation, or life-threatening infections.

If a burn covers a large area, is deep, or results in dark, leathery spots on the skin, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. The same is true if the burn does not show improvement or if the wound is accompanied by increased pain, swelling, or fluid discharge.

Treatment for burn injuries may include antibiotics, pain and inflammation medication, surgery, rehabilitation, and skin grafting.

Compensation for a work-related burn injury

If you’ve suffered a burn injury while on the job, you may be eligible for a range of compensation options. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to support employees who have sustained work-related injuries, including burns. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other related costs, providing critical financial support for injured workers.

You may also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party deemed responsible for causing the burn injury. This could include a manufacturer of faulty equipment, a supplier of hazardous chemicals, or a negligent subcontractor.

To fully understand your options for compensation in the aftermath of a workplace burn injury, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer with a track record of helping injured workers can review the details of your case and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your legal rights and compensation options.

Our attorneys can fight for your rights

If you have suffered a work-related burn injury in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys is here to help. Contact us today to review your legal rights and options. There is no obligation, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. Trust us to be your dedicated and compassionate legal team. Schedule a free case evaluation right now.