Posted: February 21, 2017

Your skin is extremely strong, yet sensitive. When you sustain a severe burn, it is a serious matter.

Did you know that in according to the American Burn Association 40,000 people were hospitalized for burn injuries in 2016? The number who received medical treatment for burns far exceeded that number at a total of more than 400,000 people.

What's a severe burn?

Burns are classified as first, second or third degree burns on the basis of how deeply into layers of skin it reaches. If it's only a first degree burn, like sunburn, it is uncomfortable, and possibly irritating, but not serious. You normally can take care of it at home.

If it's a second degree burn, however, you might have blisters and possibly worse. It can be a serious injury and you would likely have to seek medical treatment. If it is a third degree burn, it is severe, burning below the fatty layer of your skin. Your nerves can be destroyed, and in some cases it is fatal.

How does it happen in the workplace?

In the workplace, you can be severely burned due to someone else's negligence. This includes a lack of training by your company, a dangerous environment, or even a failure to let people know the danger.

According to the Mayo clinic, these are some burn causes:

· Touching hot metal, glass or other hot objects.

· Shock and burn from an electrical current if you inadvertently touch power lines

· Sustaining a burn in a fire. This is an obvious hazard of the job for firemen, but negligence in the workplace increases the risk for employees in many industries

· Exposure to chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner, or gasoline. This is particularly dangerous if you work in an industry that requires exposure to these chemicals on a daily basis.

While certain industries might be more common for some industries, an unsafe work environment increases the risk for all.

If you or your loved one has sustained a severe burn injury, you know how painful it is. The road to recovery is long. Don't do it alone. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer may help you know your legal options for compensation during this time.

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