needing help with this

[Burned In Kentucky]

I have no clue what to do or what to expect. I recently was hurt on the job 03-27-09. I was burned why'll on the job. I went to the ER that same evening. The doctor that did the exam told me that I have 1st degree burns on my hand and 2nd degree burns on my face. I have no clue as to how long I will be off from work. I go this morning to the WorkWell clinic which is w/c clinic. Im guessing there they will let me know how long I can expect to be off. My question is this. What can I expect to happen at this appointment. And also this. There is a very good chance that Im going to have pretty bad scars as a result from this 340+ hot grease. Is there a way that I will be able to get compensated for this disfigurment. I work at a very well know fast food place. I deal with customers on a daily basis and am already having panic attackes at the thought of what I will look like once I heal physically. I dont think I will heal emotionally over this trauma. Someone anyone who can give me some insight as to what I should expect and what I should do please post a/s/a/p. By the way if you dont notice Im in Kentucky. Thanks

[Lilly]

Hi BIK and welcome to the forum.

Here is some state specific info for you to read while you're waiting on an answer to your questions from someone who knows more than I. http://www.workerscompensation.com/kentucky.php

First question for you though...Did you file a work injury report with WC? If not, ask your mngr to fill one out. This is the 1st thing that must be done in order to get the ball rolling.

Yes, they will let you know how long you will be off. In cases of burn injuries, I believe infection is the biggest threat. They may also send you back to work on light duty if your employer can accomodate. Make sure you tell the doctor you are stressing about going back to work facing people because of your appearance. Tell him if you are depressed also.

As far as scaring, yes they do compensate for scars...but there is no set monies for this...it is case specific (depends on the amount and placement of scarring).
Besides that....you are not healed yet, and I pray you won't have scars !

If you also start having emotional problems...that too can be added to your claim.

Hang tight until you get more answers...they will come, as the weekend on here tend to be slow.

Hope you feel better soon! Lilly

[1171]

Kentucky doesn't offer separate benefits for scarring or disfigurement. But you can read all about the basic benefits available from the guidebook
http://www.labor.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/898...forweb.pdf
there is other information available on the state website
http://www.labor.ky.gov/workersclaims/

[Burned In Kentucky]

this is burned in kentucky I went to w/c doctor and that a.. had me going back to work. I have open secon degree burns on my face and a burned eye. I cant be exposed to heat very long and have to keep it clean and dry. how the hack does he expect me to do that working at a fastfood place.

[Burned In Kentucky]

Burned In Kentucky Wrote:this is burned in kentucky I went to w/c doctor and that a.. had me going back to work. I have open secon degree burns on my face and a burned eye. I cant be exposed to heat very long and have to keep it clean and dry. how the hack does he expect me to do that working at a fastfood place.

I got burned last friday how can the w/c doctor say i can go back to work so soon with having 2nd degree burns on my face

[Manley2]

Mainly because it's a WC doctor. They don't care about you just the company. Sad to say but true.

[Lilly]

That is their goal...Get the injured worker back to work asap even if it isn't in the best interest of the injured person.

You must return to work and try your best to stay. If the pain and heat get to be too much...ask your superior for immediate doctor appmnt, or go to ER.

Is your face covered with a bandage? Watch closely for infection or sudden change in appearance or pain level of the wound .
Good Luck. Lilly

[Burned In Kentucky]

thanks for the replys I went back today and boy was it painfull but i survived. did ask to be sent home early but supervisor really needed me ( i like her) bad so I stayed. I think i might just see what the company does (but talk to a lawyer in the mean time)as far as trying to fire me over something stupid,who knows this accident maybe my meal ticket LOL. The way the aconomy is today alot of people dont have a job. My eye was also giving me problems. Dont know if I told you all that it also got burned. I have what they call a divit. it burned the cornea, doc gave me medicine but so far it dont seem like its helping, i go back to see the quack monday. can i get compinsated for travel time to and from the doctor and seeing how i was only out 4 days will w/c pay me for that time off. thanks for the input.

[jayne]

again WC isnt a meal ticket unless you can live on raman and in a tent....staying at work if you can is the best thing for you and them....if the heat is to much ask them to find you someplace away from the fryers,maybe prep....when I worked in food services no one with an open wound was allowed near food course thats been a looooooooooong time ago...please see an eye doc and ask about your eye as that isnt something to play with.....

[1171]

waiting period for Kentucky is 3 days; you are entitled to 1 day of disability.
yes Kentucky pays mileage. beginning 4/1 it went up to $.38/mi.
for more information on Kentucky's comp system
http://www.labor.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/898...forweb.pdf