I am done with my treatment, but I am not able to do all the tasks I could previously do at work. What happens next?

Q: I sustained a severe burn on my hand at work. I was able to return to work, but I am not able to do all the things I could previously do. I am done with my treatment. What happens next?

A: Once treatment has achieved a point where nothing more can be done to cure the problem, the Department of Labor and Industries is supposed to attempt to assess the permanent partial disability that may exist, if any. An injury to your hand may involve loss of use of the hand itself due to decreased range of motion of fingers, depending on the amount of scar tissue that you have. Additionally, there are disability benefits available for impairment of the skin itself. These are described under “categories”. Learn more about workers’ compensation claims.