Burn Injury Workers' Compensation in Riverside, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Burn Injury claims are common in Riverside's Construction sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $50,000–$200,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in Riverside is $59,900. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 3737 Main Street, Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501. An experienced attorney who knows the Riverside board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Burn Injury settlement values in California range from $50,000–$200,000+
  • Riverside area settlements average $59,900 across all injury types
  • Key Riverside industries with burn injury risk: Construction
  • Your WCAB office: 3737 Main Street, Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Report the burn injury immediately and seek emergency medical treatment - delay can worsen the injury and damage your claim

Burn Injury Settlement Range

$50,000–$200,000+

Riverside avg. across all injuries: $59,900

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How Burn Injurys Happen in Riverside

Welding operations, torch cutting, and chemical exposure during construction create serious burn risks, particularly on high-rise and industrial projects.

Riverside's economy relies heavily on Construction, making burn injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

Riverside WCAB Office

3737 Main Street, Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 782-4100

Metered street parking is available on Main St and University Ave. Several city parking garages are within walking distance.

Burn Injury Symptoms to Document

Severe pain at burn site

Intense burning, stinging, or throbbing pain that may worsen over the first 24-48 hours as tissue damage progresses

Skin discoloration and blistering

Redness, white or blackened skin, and fluid-filled blisters indicating second or third-degree burns

Loss of sensation in burned area

Numbness or complete loss of feeling in severe burns where nerve endings have been destroyed

Scarring and contractures

Permanent skin tightening, keloid scars, and restricted range of motion from scar tissue formation

Infection and delayed healing

Redness, swelling, pus, fever, or foul odor indicating infection of the burn wound

Psychological distress

Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or body image issues related to visible scarring and disfigurement

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Emergency burn care and stabilization

Immediate cooling, wound cleaning, sterile dressing, and pain management at trauma center or burn unit

Typical timeline: Emergency treatment, 1-7 days hospitalization for moderate burns

Covered

Wound debridement

Surgical removal of dead tissue to prevent infection and promote healing

Typical timeline: Multiple procedures over first 2-6 weeks

Covered

Skin grafting

Surgical transplantation of healthy skin from another body area to cover the burn wound

Typical timeline: Performed after initial healing, multiple procedures may be needed

Covered

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

High-pressure oxygen treatment to promote wound healing and reduce scarring

Typical timeline: 20-40 sessions over several weeks

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Burn Injury Settlement in Riverside

Burn degree and depth

Third and fourth-degree burns result in significantly higher settlements than first or second-degree burns due to permanent tissue damage

A second-degree scald may settle for $25,000-$50,000, while a third-degree burn requiring grafts may exceed $150,000

Percentage of total body surface area (TBSA)

Larger burns require more extensive treatment and result in greater permanent disability ratings

Burns covering 10% TBSA typically result in higher settlements than burns covering 2-3% TBSA, even if the same degree

Location of burns on body

Burns to visible areas (face, neck, hands, forearms) or functional areas result in higher disfigurement compensation

Facial burns causing scarring may add $50,000-$100,000 in disfigurement compensation beyond medical costs

Need for skin grafting and reconstruction

Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery substantially increase both medical costs and permanent disability ratings

Burn cases requiring multiple grafts and reconstructive procedures often settle for $200,000-$500,000+

Filing Your Burn Injury Claim in Riverside

  • Report the burn injury immediately and seek emergency medical treatment - delay can worsen the injury and damage your claim
  • Photograph the burn wound at multiple stages of healing to document severity and progression
  • Keep all burned clothing and PPE as evidence of the accident circumstances and safety equipment provided
  • Document the chemical or substance that caused the burn, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) if applicable
  • Report any delayed symptoms - chemical burns can worsen over 24-72 hours after initial exposure
  • Follow all wound care instructions precisely to prevent infection and complications that could reduce settlement value
  • Keep a detailed journal of pain levels, treatment, and how scarring affects your daily life and work
  • Request disfigurement evaluation once maximum medical improvement is reached - don't accept initial settlement offers that ignore scarring
  • If burns affected your face, hands, or other visible areas, document impact on your work and social life
  • Consider psychological counseling early - PTSD and anxiety from burns are separately compensable
  • The Riverside WCAB office is at 3737 Main Street, Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Burn Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Riverside

View all Riverside workers' comp info →

Burn Injury in Riverside FAQ

What is the average burn injury workers' comp settlement in Riverside?

Burn Injury settlements in California typically range from $50,000–$200,000+. The overall average settlement in Riverside is $59,900. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a burn injury workers' comp claim in Riverside?

Riverside workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 3737 Main Street, Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501. Phone: (951) 782-4100. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a burn injury workers' comp case take in Riverside?

Most burn injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Riverside WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Riverside board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Riverside industries have the highest burn injury risk?

In Riverside, burn injury claims are most common in the Construction industry. We serve the entire Inland Empire from this hub.

Injured at Work in Riverside?

Our attorneys handle burn injury claims at the Riverside WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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