Understanding Burn Injury Settlements in Arizona Workers’ Comp
Burn injuries are among the most excruciating and physically devastating traumas a worker can endure. Whether caused by a grease fire in a commercial kitchen, a chemical spill in a manufacturing plant, or an electrical arc on a construction site, the road to recovery is long, painful, and incredibly expensive. At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact severe burns have on an individual’s life and livelihood.
If you have suffered a burn injury at work, you are likely wondering how the Arizona workers’ compensation system will cover your extensive medical needs and compensate you for permanent damage. While no two cases are exactly alike, understanding how burn settlements are calculated can help you navigate the difficult months ahead.
The High Cost of Burn Injury Medical Care
The initial phase of a workers’ compensation claim focuses heavily on medical treatment. For severe second and third-degree burns, the medical costs are astronomical. Treatment often involves extended stays in specialized burn units, multiple skin graft surgeries, aggressive infection control, and months of specialized physical and occupational therapy to prevent the skin from contracting and limiting your mobility.
Under Arizona workers’ compensation law, you are entitled to have 100% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses covered. This includes all surgeries, hospital stays, specialized compression garments, and pain management medications. If your burn injury results in a settlement, the insurance company must factor in the projected costs of any future medical care you will require, such as future scar revision surgeries or long-term psychological counseling for trauma.
Calculating Permanent Impairment for Burns
Once your burn wounds have healed as much as they are going to—a stage known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—your doctor will evaluate you for permanent impairment. This is where burn injury cases become particularly complex in the Arizona system.
Arizona divides permanent injuries into two categories: “scheduled” (injuries to specific extremities like an arm or leg) and “unscheduled” (injuries to the head, neck, back, or general systemic issues).
If you suffer a severe burn to your arm that permanently limits your range of motion, it may be rated as a scheduled injury. However, severe burns often cover multiple body parts or result in systemic issues, such as an inability to regulate body temperature due to damaged sweat glands, or severe psychological trauma (like PTSD). In these cases, the injury is classified as unscheduled. Unscheduled injuries generally result in a “Loss of Earning Capacity” (LEC) evaluation, which looks at how the burn permanently affects your ability to earn a living. Severe, unscheduled burn injuries typically result in much higher settlement values because they profoundly impact your future employability.
The Reality of Scarring and Disfigurement
One of the most difficult aspects of a burn injury is permanent scarring and disfigurement. Arizona workers’ compensation law does provide specific benefits for permanent facial disfigurement. If you suffer severe burns to your face or head, the Industrial Commission of Arizona can award additional compensation specifically for that disfigurement, separate from your wage loss benefits.
However, it is important to understand that workers’ compensation does not pay for “pain and suffering” in the way a personal injury lawsuit does. The focus remains strictly on medical costs, wage replacement, and measurable physical impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sue my employer for a burn injury instead of taking workers’ comp?
In Arizona, workers’ compensation is generally the “exclusive remedy” for workplace injuries, meaning you cannot sue your employer. However, if your burn was caused by a defective product (like a malfunctioning deep fryer) or a negligent third party (like an outside contractor), you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
Will workers’ comp pay for psychological counseling after a severe burn?
Yes. Severe burns often result in profound psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If a medical professional relates your psychological condition to your workplace burn injury, workers’ compensation should cover the necessary psychiatric care and counseling.
How long do I have to file a claim for a burn injury?
In Arizona, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Failing to meet this deadline can bar you from receiving any benefits.
We Fight for the Compensation You Need to Heal
Recovering from a severe burn injury takes every ounce of your strength. You should not have to fight an insurance company for the specialized care and financial support you deserve. Let the compassionate, experienced Arizona workers’ compensation lawyers at Arizona’s Work Injury Firm carry the legal burden for you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.