Many risks come with working in an oil field. One of these is the chance of a fire or explosion. These events can cause catastrophic injuries that significantly impact the victim’s life.
Burns that occur during a fire or explosion can range from minor to major. These are categorized by the degree of the burn, with first-degree being the least severe and third-degree being the most serious.
1. First degree
A first-degree burn only impacts the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). This painful burn turns red, but it will typically heal relatively quickly with just home care.
2. Second degree
A second-degree burn is a little deeper. It affects the epidermis and the layer below it, known as the dermis. This type of burn can lead to scarring and may cause severe pain. These burns may appear wet, and blisters could form.
3. Third degree
Third-degree burns go into the fatty tissue below the dermis. These always require medical care. They can damage the nerves, so there might not be any pain. The burned area may sometimes turn white, brown or black.
More severe burns and those over a larger area of the body require urgent medical attention. Long-term care, including moving into a burn unit, might be necessary. Those treatments can be costly. Workers’ compensation benefits should step in to cover these expenses for individuals who suffered the burn injury while they were at work. Having someone on your side who’s familiar with these matters is beneficial so they can work with you to get you the benefits they deserve.