A fire on a construction site is a terrifying experience, causing physical and emotional injuries that can continue long after the flames have been extinguished. Not only do burn victims require immediate medical treatment, many will suffer extreme pain and long recovery times—and they will often experience difficulties even after they have fully healed.
Workers May Suffer Lifelong Consequences After a Construction Fire
Exposure to high heat or open flames can cause a wide range of injuries to workers, any one of which may result in lost income, high medical costs, and physical limitations. Unfortunately, many effects of a serious burn injury can last for months or even years.
What Type Of Injuries Can Be Caused By A Construction Fire?
Infections
Burn injuries often require several surgeries to remove damaged tissue, graft skin from one part of the body to another, or perform reconstructive surgery to minimize scarring. Throughout each surgery, victims are at risk of infections that can complicate and extend their recoveries.
Scars and Disfigurement
Even after plastic surgery, victims may suffer visible scarring, permanent baldness caused by loss of hair follicles, or severely altered appearance.
Nerve Damage
Trauma to several layers of skin tissue may cause lifelong pain, numbness, extreme sensitivity to touch, or an inability to sense hot or cold on the affected body part.
Breathing Problems
Smoke inhalation can result in lung damage or breathing difficulties (such as asthma).
Disability
Trauma to muscle tissue can cause loss of mobility that requires ongoing physical therapy, while a loss of sweat glands may make it difficult to regulate body temperature. Victims may also suffer light sensitivity or blindness if their eyes were damaged in the fire.
Mental and Emotional Trauma
The psychological effects of a fire can be just as damaging as the physical injuries. Victims often experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that require long-term counseling.
If you suffered a severe burn while working on a New York City construction site, we can help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve and determine whether you may be able to file a third-party claim. Fill out our quick online contact form or call (800) 362-9329 to speak with a construction injury lawyer at Hofmann & Schweitzer today.
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