Suffered a Burn Injury at Work? Here's What Benefits You May Be Entitled To
Suffered a Burn Injury at Work? Here's What Benefits You May Be Entitled To
Burn injuries can be life-changing. Whether from fire, chemicals, electricity, or scalding, these injuries often require extensive treatment and long recovery periods. If you’ve suffered a burn injury while working in California, it’s important to know your rights—and how to protect them.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, your health comes first. Burn injuries, even first-degree burns, can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. For moderate to severe burns, it’s essential to go to a designated burn center as soon as possible. Getting early, specialized care can significantly improve outcomes and long-term recovery.
Temporary Disability Benefits for Burn Injuries
Under California Labor Code section 4656, most injured workers are entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits—typically two-thirds of their gross wages, tax-free—for up to 104 weeks (or 2 years).
But burn injuries are different.
If your burns are classified as “severe”, the law allows you to receive up to 240 weeks of TTD benefits—more than double the usual limit. This extended benefit recognizes the long-term impact and recovery time often required for serious burn injuries.
However, many insurance companies will push back. They may try to argue that your injury isn’t “severe enough” to qualify for extended benefits. That’s where having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney becomes critical.
Severe Burns and Permanent Disability Ratings
In 2013, California made major changes to its permanent disability rating system. As a result, additional impairments for psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, and urological issues are no longer included—except in very limited situations.
One of the most important exceptions is found in Labor Code section 4660.1(c)(2)(B):
If you suffered a severe burn, you can receive permanent impairment ratings for these conditions. That means additional compensation for:
Depression or anxiety resulting from the trauma
Sleep disturbances caused by pain or PTSD
Urological complications related to your injury
These benefits can make a major difference in your overall recovery and financial future.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Severe burn injuries don’t just affect your body—they impact your entire life, from your mental health to your ability to work. At Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys, we specialize in maximizing compensation for burn injury victims and ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Insurance companies will fight to minimize your claim. We fight back with the experience, legal strategy, and medical documentation needed to prove the true severity of your injury—and secure the benefits you’re owed under the law.
Serving Burn Victims Across the San Fernando Valley
We proudly represent injured workers throughout the San Fernando Valley, including:
Studio City
Valley Village
North Hollywood
Burbank
Sherman Oaks
If you or a loved one suffered a serious burn on the job, don’t wait. Contact Lee Partners Law today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights and your recovery.
For more learning click here: Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in CA?<br/><br/> — Lee Partners Law