Most people associate construction worker injuries with falls, malfunctioning equipment, collapsing trenches and so on. Burns from sudden fires are a risk that does not get as much attention in the news. But they do happen, and when they do, the affected worker can face life-threatening injuries.
Broken gas line erupts
A recent case from outside of California provides a frightening example of what can happen to a construction worker at a Los Angeles job site. The worker was burned when a gas main ruptured and the fumes burst into flame. Though a news article describes his injuries as “minor,” they were apparently severe enough that he was taken to the hospital. The fire burned for about two hours before gas company workers could shut it off.
How did this happen?
It isn’t clear what caused the line breakage. It is possible that somebody was drilling or using another power tool that inadvertently punctured the line. But whatever caused it, the burn victim may need weeks or months to recover. Depending on their severity and how widespread they are across the body, burns can be terribly painful and debilitating. The man might not be physically able to perform his work duties for quite some time.
Most construction injuries are not fatal but can cost the victim and their family thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages. These are the losses that workers’ compensation is meant to help make up for. Getting approved for workers’ comp at the level you deserve can be complicated. A conversation with a workers’ comp attorney can help you understand your options if your claim is rejected.