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The heat can be deadly, causing people all kinds of injuries if they’re not careful. Below, we’re going to go over some of the most common types of heat-related injuries someone can suffer from.
If you get these types of heat injuries at work, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Learn more about these injuries and what you can do according to New York law.
If you work in the heat, your health can be compromised when you are exposed to high humidity and temperatures. These are the most common types of heat illnesses and injuries that can take a toll on your heath.
Sunburns
They may seem “minor,” but no sunburn is safe according to dermatologists. If you experience serious sunburns, you could have blisters and pain that may affect your ability to work.
Moreover, the sun causes damage to deep layers of your skin even in a seemingly minor sunburn. Each sunburn raises your chances for melanoma, or skin cancer. When caught in its early stages, skin cancer is highly treatable, but it can be one of the deadliest forms of cancer if left untreated.
If you work in the sun on a regular basis, you should wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. You can wear light-blocking clothing and a hat, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin.
Dehydration
This is a serious problem that can quickly become life-threatening. Working in the heat can make you lose water through perspiration. You need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when temperatures rise into the 90s or higher, or if you are physically exerting yourself for hours on end.
Dehydration could result in hospitalization to prevent organ failure, so it’s essential to plan ahead and bring plenty of water along to your job.
Heat Cramps
When your body loses salt through heavy perspiration, you can experience muscle cramps both during and after physical exertion.
Heat Rash
If your sweat fails to evaporate from your skin, you can develop this irritating rash.
Heat Exhaustion
This serious health condition occurs after heavy perspiration. You may notice signs of dizziness, thirst, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, moist skin, irritability, and weakness. If you have these symptoms, get medical help within 60 minutes if symptoms do not improve.
Heat Stroke
This condition is when your body begins shutting down due to overheating. When you have heat stroke, your body can no longer maintain its basal temperature. Symptoms include no sweating, seizures, confusion, or fainting. Heat stroke can lead to hospitalization or even put you in a coma.
It’s a question that largely depends upon your specific situation. For example, if you call 911 for emergency care and it is delayed due to negligence, you may be able to sue for damages.
Most liability situations related to heat injuries, however, occur due to work. Your employer is legally responsible to provide reasonably safe working conditions and proper training. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide heat stress relief to employees.
If your employer fails to provide access to resources you need to stay hydrated, such as drinking water, you could have grounds for a lawsuit.
If you have experienced heat illnesses or injuries due to another party’s negligence, you need the help of an experienced New York injury attorney to file for compensation. You can receive payment for medical bills, lost work time, and pain and suffering related to your illness.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable New York personal injury attorney. We will work hard to secure the best outcome for you.
