Pennsylvania accident victims are at a high risk of sustaining burns in specific circumstances. The potential for chemical exposure, fires, and electrical shock increase the odds of the occurrences. For employees of a chemical or electrical plant, these odds of these injuries are considerably greater than other industries. An attorney that manages cases involving a Burn Injury in Bethlehem PA could help these employees collect a high settlement.
Assessing the Severity of the Burns
The severity of the burns determines the type of injuries sustained. First through third-degree burns affect the skin and muscles of the victim. These burns could lead to permanent scarring and the loss of limb function. Burns of a higher degree could affect the tissue all the way to the bone. These occurrences could lead to amputation of the limb. This could impact the livelihood of the victim.
Determining the Likelihood of Survival
Burns that are a fourth degree and beyond present the highest risk of a fatality. These burns could cause immediate death in a matter of seconds. These occurrences are probable in fields in which an arc flash is possible. While the employees wear protective gear, it doesn’t protect them fully during each event. When building a burn injury case, it is necessary for the attorney to assess the probability of survival based on the degree of the burns.
Identifying the Accountable Party
For these employees, the accountable party is the employer initially. However, as the accident is investigated, the attorney may determine that maintenance or safety requirements were mismanaged. While this could indicate that the employer is culpable, it could also identify maintenance staff or contracts as additional defendants. The evidence identified all parties that caused the accident.
In Pennsylvania, burn victims must follow specific guidelines when filing a claim. When these victims are employees, they must follow guidelines defined by worker’s compensation. Severe accidents that were caused by electrical or chemical exposure require a thorough investigation. This investigation must identify all accountable parties and how they were responsible for the accident. Victims of a Burn Injury in Bethlehem PA should click here to find more information today.