Find out if you can make a burn injury claim

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in an accident caused by somebody else’s negligence, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

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Burn Injury Claims

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), up to 175,000 victims of burn injuries visit Accident and Emergency departments throughout the UK each year. These visits are often due to the fault or negligence of a liable party, such as an employer, road user or business owner.

There are many causes of burn injuries, including fire, chemicals, electricity and exposure to cold. Even minor burns can cause a lot of pain and suffering, while more severe ones can result in permanent damage, scarring, emotional impact and financial losses.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to make a burn injury claim. If you have a valid case, the solicitors we work with at Injuryclaims.co.uk will offer you a no win no fee* agreement to pursue compensation without taking any financial risks.

For more information and support, call free on 0800 470 0474 or enter your details to receive a call back from a friendly legal adviser.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    Can I make a burn injury claim?

    Any person who suffers a burn injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party should have a valid claim for burn compensation. To determine your eligibility, you should consult with an experienced solicitor who specialises in personal injury cases. They can evaluate your situation, consider the evidence and other factors involved, and advise you on the legal options available to you.

    As a general rule, you might have a viable burn injury claim if the following statements are true:

    • The burn was due to someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident, workplace accident, or a faulty product.
    • The responsible party owed you a duty of care. Your solicitor will have extensive knowledge of UK legislation and what laws apply to your specific case. These include regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 or the Road Traffic Act 1988.
    • Your injury has required medical treatment and caused you damages, such as pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, medical bills or lost wages.
    • Your accident took place within the last three years (there are some exceptions to this rule, as detailed in the section below).

    However, every case is unique, and whether you can pursue burn injury compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation. Usually, you would be able to claim even if you were partially at fault for your injuries, known as contributory negligence. In this case, the amount of compensation you may receive could be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, if your contributory negligence was more significant, such as 50% or more, your chances of claiming any burn injury compensation could be limited.

    A qualified legal adviser can help you evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid burn injury claim. For a free consultation, call 0800 470 0474 today or arrange a call back here.

    How to make a burn injury claim?

    If you have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, there are some steps you should take if you want to claim burn compensation. The first thing you should do is seek legal advice to have your case assessed by an experienced personal injury solicitor.

    They will offer you a free case assessment during an initial consultation to verify whether you are eligible to start a burn injury claim. If you can proceed, they will take your case on a no win no fee basis and provide help and support at every step of the claims process.

    If you agree to proceed with a claim, the first thing you need to do is gather evidence to prove liability and the extent of your injuries. You can help build a strong case by providing the following:

    • Photographs or videos of the accident scene, showing what caused the accident to occur before anything is moved or repaired;
    • A copy of your medical records to show the extent of your injuries, the treatments and medications you received and your recovery prospects;
    • The names and contact details of any witnesses to your accident that could provide a statement about how the events occurred;
    • A copy of an accident report form if you were injured at work or in a public place such as a shop, supermarket or restaurant;
    • CCTV footage of the accident, where available;
    • A diary of how your burn injury affected your life, such as events you have had to miss and any costs you have incurred as a result.

    Your solicitor will also arrange a free medical visit with an independent government-approved doctor to assess the full extent of your injuries and their long-term effects. Their report will serve as essential evidence in your burn injury claim.

    Once you have all the facts and necessary documents, your solicitor will send a letter of claim to the defendant, informing them of your intentions to pursue compensation. If they admit liability, your solicitor will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If they deny responsibility for the harm you suffered, you may need to take legal action and argue your case in court (this is a rare occurrence, as more than 95% of claims settle without a trial).

    Can I claim for a burn injury at work?

    Yes, if you were the victim of a burn injury at work, you may be able to claim compensation. Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment and to take measures to prevent accidents and injuries to workers. In the UK, this duty is set out by several pieces of legislation, including:

    The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

    This is the primary piece of legislation that aims to prevent injuries in the workplace by placing a duty on employers to provide a safe working environment and take appropriate measures to control risks.

    The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

    These regulations require employers to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and take reasonable steps to eliminate or control them. They must also provide training and information to employees on how to work safely and report any accidents or incidents in the workplace.

    The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

    This is another piece of UK legislation that requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees exposed to hazards such as heat, chemicals, and radiation. PPE can include items such as gloves, goggles, aprons, and flame-resistant clothing, which can help protect from burn injuries in the workplace. Employers must also ensure that the equipment provided is suitable for the risks involved and adequately maintained.

    The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

    These regulations aim to protect employees from dangerous substances such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and other materials that can cause burns. COSHH requires employers to assess the risks posed by such materials in the workplace and take steps to prevent or control exposure. That can include providing PPE, ensuring proper ventilation and storage of hazardous substances, and implementing safe working practices to reduce the risk of injury.

    By complying with these regulations, employers can help prevent burn injuries and other workplace accidents. If your burn injury was caused by the negligence of your employer or a co-worker, you might be entitled to compensation. This will cover any physical or emotional harm, loss of earnings, and medical expenses incurred as a result.

    Common causes of burn injuries at work include, but are not limited to:

    • Thermal burns caused by hot liquids, steam or fire are common in workplaces such as restaurants and manufacturing sectors;
    • Electrical burns caused by coming into contact with exposed wires or faulty appliances and power tools;
    • Chemical burns due to contact with hazardous substances in industries like manufacturing, automotive sectors, agriculture and cleaning;
    • Cold burns, also known as frostbite, could be due to prolonged exposure to cold or wet conditions;
    • Sunburns are common in workers who spend significant time outdoors and can be severe and cause long-term damage, including skin cancer;
    • Explosions may cause severe burn injuries to workers in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.

    It is recommended to seek the advice of a personal injury solicitor who can let you know whether you have a valid burn injury claim and guide you through the claims process.

    How is the severity of a burn calculated?

    Your solicitor will thoroughly assess the severity of your burn injury to determine the correct level of compensation that should be paid to you. When investigating the burns that you have suffered, medical experts may classify them into one of the following categories:

    First Degree

    A first-degree burn typically affects only the top layer of skin and may cause stinging and discolouration. However, it is unlikely to result in a break in the skin or any long-lasting damage. Such burns, which are often caused by exposure to hot liquids, steam, or UV radiation, usually heal fully within a couple of weeks.

    Second Degree

    Second-degree burns are considered more severe and affect deeper layers of the skin. They typically cause a lot of pain and blisters and may result in scarring. A second-degree burn covering at least 10% of the body can lead to shock and dehydration. Flames, electrical shocks, and exposure to hazardous substances such as sulphuric acid are common causes of second-degree burns.

    Third Degree

    A third-degree burn is the most severe form of burn injury, where all the skin layers, underlying tissue, and fat are destroyed. Surgical procedures and skin grafts are typically necessary for recovery from this type of burn, which can take a prolonged time and cause severe pain. Permanent scarring is almost inevitable, and in the worst-case scenarios, amputation may be required for the affected area.

    To determine the severity of your injury, your solicitor will also seek to demonstrate any related illnesses you may have suffered because of the burn. This might include dehydration, surrounding skin irritation and wound infections. Medical experts will also provide information on the percentage of your body that was burnt. Generally speaking, the larger the area, the more severe your injury is likely to be.

    Burn injuries can also have a significant psychological effect on the victim. Additional severity can be proven by highlighting the emotional impact of any burn and the future prognosis for your condition.

    Common types of burn injury

    The solicitors we work in partnership with have successfully dealt with a large number of burn injury claims and have vast experience in securing the highest compensation for burns caused in a wide variety of settings. Solicitors commonly handle cases involving burn injuries sustained in the following situations:

    As laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, your employer has a duty of care to carry out risk assessments of your workplace to determine whether there are any health and safety hazards in the environment or with the job you do. Any risks that are highlighted must be removed or counterbalanced with adequate safety measures.

    Burn injuries at work can be caused in many ways, including working with open flames without appropriate protection, working with defective equipment, injuries sustained following electric shocks and contact with chemicals. Workers in some industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and food service, are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries.

    Burns injuries from fireworks and public events

    Fireworks and public events can be a fun and exciting choice to celebrate holidays and special occasions. However, they can also pose risks of burn injuries to attendees if not adequately handled or controlled.

    Burn injuries from fireworks and public events can occur in a variety of ways, including:

    • Accidents caused by improper use of fireworks or pyrotechnics
    • Fires or explosions caused by faulty equipment or electrical malfunctions
    • Contact with hot surfaces or materials, such as grills or fire pits
    • Contact with hot liquids, such as hot beverages or cooking oils
    • Contact with open flames, such as candles or torches

    When attending such events, the organisers must take all necessary safety measures to prevent such incidents. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has laid out guidelines for event management companies on how to properly store, handle, and use fireworks and related items to minimise any potential risks to the public.

    Some examples of negligence that could cause a burn injury include misdirected fireworks, overcrowding around sparklers, lack of safety barriers near flames or a failure to make provisions for emergency care. In such circumstances, you may be able to file a burn injury claim against the party responsible for organising the event or maintaining a safe environment for the public.

    Burn injuries at school

    Children are considered one of the most vulnerable groups in society due to their limited understanding of potential risks compared to most adults. School related burn injuries can be due to various factors, such as exposure to fire and hot liquids, chemicals such as acids, cleaning agents, and other hazardous substances, or defective electrical equipment.

    Burn injuries can happen in different areas of the school, including science labs, kitchens, and even outdoor areas during sports and recreational activities. The severity of the injury can range from minor burns that only need basic first aid to severe burns that may require hospitalisation and extensive medical treatment.

    If your child has suffered a burn injury at school, you may be able to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other related costs. Alternatively, if no claim is made on their behalf, the child has three years from their 18th birthday to initiate their own burn compensation claim.

    If another party’s negligence caused your burn injury, you might be eligible for compensation regardless of how the accident happened. To find out if you could claim burn injury compensation, call 0800 470 0474 or fill in our online claim form to receive a call back.

    How much compensation will I receive?

    The amount of burn compensation paid to you will largely depend upon how severe your injury is and its long-term effects. Your solicitor will work with determination to ensure that you achieve the highest awards possible. They do this by building a comprehensive case, including all your losses and suffering.

    The compensation for a burn injury covers two types of damages:

    General damages are awarded for the physical harm and how it has affected your life and include aspects such as:

    • Physical damage and disability
    • The pain ad suffering you have endured from the burns
    • Emotional and psychological trauma
    • Scarring and disfigurement
    • Reduced quality of life
    • Loss of prospects
    • Loss of amenities, meaning the impact on your social life and hobbies
    • Loss of consortium

    According to the current Judicial College guidelines, you could receive the following awards for general damages as part of your burn injury compensation:

    • £1,710 to £13,740 for burns leaving minor to moderate facial scarring
    • £9, 110 to £30,090 for significant scarring to the face caused by a burn injury
    • £29,780 to £97,330, where burns result in very severe facial scarring
    • £1,890 to £6,240 for minor scarring to legs, arms, chest or back
    • £7,830 to £22,730 for a single disfiguring scar or multiple less significant non-facial scars
    • Above £104,830 for burns that cover more than 40% of the body

    Special damages are awarded for all of the related financial losses and expenses you incurred as a result of your burn injury, such as:

    • Loss of wages
    • Treatment costs, such as medication, surgery and physical therapy
    • Loss of earning capacity – the impact on your future wages
    • Travel costs for attaining required treatment
    • The necessity for any specialist equipment or support
    • Costs of care and assistance during recovery
    • The cost of making changes to your home or vehicle to cope with a permanent disability

    Special damages are typically easy to calculate based on your pay slips, invoices and other documentation related to your losses. Your solicitor will also carefully consider your projected loss of income and out-of-pocket expenses, such as the need for future care and rehabilitation to ensure you are fully compensated for your burn injury.

    For a free initial consultation, where a legal adviser will answer your questions and assess the likely outcome of your case, call 0800 470 0474 today. If you have a valid burn injury claim, your solicitor will be able to proceed on a no win no fee basis.

    Is there a time limit to claim burn injury compensation?

    In the UK, there is a typical three-year time limit to start a claim following a burn injury. The limitation period begins from the date of the accident causing your injuries and is governed by the Limitation Act 1980. After this period, your case becomes statute-barred, and it’s then unlikely you can proceed with a claim.

    There are some exceptions to the three-year time limit, such as:

    • In burn injury claims involving a child under the age of 18, the three-year limitation period will not start to run until they reach 18. Afterwards, the injured person will have until their 21st birthday to initiate legal proceedings.
    • If an accident has occurred at sea or on an aircraft, the time limit to claim burn compensation is two years from the date the injury occurred.
    • Victims of a violent crime, such as an acid attack, may be able to make a claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation. The CICA requires a claim to be submitted within two years after the incident and after reporting it to the police.
    • The time limit is suspended if the injured person lacks the mental capacity to handle their case due to a condition such as PTSD, an intellectual disability or mental health illness.
    • The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) covers injuries caused by serving in the military. The time limit to start a burn injury claim is seven years from the date you sustained the injury.
    • Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, you could claim within three years from the date of death of a loved one who passed away due to a severe burn injury.

    In any claim for burn injury compensation, you should act quickly and contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. The sooner you start legal proceedings, the easier it is to remember crucial details about the events and get hold of certain pieces of evidence to build a strong case.

    What happens if I lose my burn injury claim?

    If you have a valid burn injury claim, your solicitor will offer legal representation on a no win no fee basis. This agreement means you do not have to pay them any upfront fees, and you will benefit from a completely transparent service with no hidden charges.

    Many individuals who suffer a personal injury hesitate to hire a solicitor to pursue compensation due to concerns about potential financial losses if their claim is unsuccessful. However, a conditional fee agreement (CFA) can provide peace of mind, as it allows you to initiate a claim without having to pay any upfront costs. Additionally, if your claim is unsuccessful, you are not at risk of losing any money.

    Instead, your solicitor takes on the risk of the case and will only agree to represent you if they believe the claim has a good chance of success. You are not required to pay them any fees unless the case is successful and compensation is awarded. This fee, known as a success fee, is calculated as a percentage of the compensation settlement, with a maximum cap of 25%. This way, you can rest assured that your lawyer will do their best to secure the best compensation award on your behalf.

    As part of your no win no fee agreement, you will also have legal expenses insurance to cover the costs of pursuing a claim, such as court and expert witness fees or medical reports. That is known as After the Event (ATE) insurance, and the premium is only payable if the burn injury claim is successful. Otherwise, the insurance company pays the legal costs and waives the premium.

    Overall, no win no fee solicitors can provide clients with peace of mind, access to justice, and the assurance that they will receive the best possible outcome for their case. To find out if you could claim burn injury compensation on a no win no fee basis, call 0800 470 0474 today or use the contact form below to receive a free consultation with a legal adviser.