Can you return to work after severe burn injuries?

Third-degree burns can be some of the most devastating injuries affecting victims. Their lives are often demarcated into “before the burn” and “after the burn.” The more severe the injury, the more difficulty the burn victim can have reintegrating into society, including the workplace.

Read on to learn more about if and when it might be reasonable for injured parties to return to work.

After the burn

In the immediate aftermath of a serious burn injury, victims and caregivers focus first on survival and then on recovery. But it is also important for the treatment team to review the feasibility of the injured person’s later ability to return to work.

The most severely burned victims may not be able to ever work again in their fields or any others. However, many burn injury patients are able to return to work following appropriate treatment. In fact, they can tailor treatment plans to focus on work-related physical activities to relearn or improve.

The elephant in the room

Burns that disfigure and permanently alter the appearance of the victims can make it much more challenging to re-enter the workforce. Not only is the physical healing an arduous task, but the psychological impact from disfiguring burns can increase the problems of re-integrating into their former workforces.

They may need additional training, assistive devices or modified duties in order to return to their jobs if that is even possible. Co-workers and associates may need to be prepared by management/HR for your altered appearance to help ease the transition when you return to work.

Support and guidance vital for recovery

If you suffered serious burns in a workplace accident or personal injury, you will need both medical and legal support to recover as fully as possible. Post-traumatic stress is another factor that could affect this transition. If the burn injuries occurred at your work site, you may need additional counseling to help prepare you before attempting to return to your job.

Begin your healing journey

The path to healing can include significant financial recovery for the losses, damages and injuries you suffered. Filing a claim for damages initiates the recovery process.