Burns and Electrocution Injuries at Work in NJ
Workplace accidents involving electricity or high heat are among the most painful and complex injuries a worker can endure. Whether you are an electrician working on a commercial project in Hamilton or a manufacturing employee in Vineland, the risks associated with live wires and industrial machinery are significant. At Matarazzo & Lubcher, our workers’ compensation attorneys have seen firsthand how these injuries disrupt lives and livelihoods, and we are dedicated to helping victims secure the support they need.
Understanding Electrocution and Burn Risks
Electrocution occurs when a worker comes into contact with an energized source, which can cause internal organ damage, cardiac arrest, and severe external burns. Thermal burns, on the other hand, often result from explosions, chemical leaks, or contact with steam and hot surfaces. Both types of injuries often require long-term hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and specialized skin grafts.
The (NIOSH) notes that even non-fatal electrical shocks can cause permanent nerve damage and chronic pain. Because electrical damage is often internal, the true extent of the injury may not be immediately apparent, making it essential to have a comprehensive medical evaluation after any electrical contact at work.
How Workers’ Compensation Supports Burn Victims
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation should cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatments related to your burn or electrocution injury. This includes emergency room visits, specialist consultations, and ongoing physical or occupational therapy. If your injuries prevent you from working while you recover, you are also entitled to temporary disability benefits to help cover your lost wages.
Our firm focuses on ensuring that the insurance company accounts for the long-term nature of these injuries. Burns often lead to permanent scarring or loss of function in the affected limbs. If your injury results in a lasting impairment, you may be eligible for permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits. Our attorneys work diligently to document these impacts to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your recovery.
The Challenge of Proving Complex Injuries
Insurance carriers may attempt to argue that an electrical shock was “minor” or that a burn will heal without permanent consequences. Because burn treatment is exceptionally expensive, these claims are often scrutinized heavily. Our attorneys counter these tactics by utilizing medical experts who specialize in burn care and neurology to demonstrate the functional limitations caused by your accident.
We understand the specific safety protocols that should be in place on New Jersey jobsites, from Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). While workers’ comp is no-fault, documenting safety violations can be helpful if there is a third-party liability claim against a contractor or equipment manufacturer.
Protect Your Future with Experienced Legal Counsel in Cherry Hill
A severe burn or electrical injury requires a legal team that understands the nuances of New Jersey’s workers’ compensation statutes. Matarazzo & Lubcher offers compassionate and professional representation to workers across the state. We take the burden of dealing with insurance adjusters off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your medical journey.
If fire, chemicals, or electricity have injured you on the job, do not wait to seek legal advice. Contact our firm today; our attorneys are ready to provide a free consultation to review the details of your case and explain your options for seeking maximum compensation.