1. What Are Burn Injury Claims?
Burn injury claims are legal actions taken to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by burns due to someone else’s negligence. Burns can result from:
- Workplace accidents
- Faulty products
- Road accidents
- Chemical spills
- Electrical faults
- Medical negligence
If you were injured and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim.
2. Who Can Make a Burn Injury Claim?
You can claim if:
- You suffered a burn caused by another person’s or organisation’s negligence
- The injury occurred within the past three years
- You’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone who lacks mental capacity
Claims can be made against employers, landlords, manufacturers, or even medical professionals.
3. Types of Burn Injuries Covered
Common burn types in compensation claims include:
- Thermal burns (heat/fire)
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Radiation burns
- Friction burns
- Cold burns (frostbite)
All degrees—first to third—are eligible for compensation depending on severity.
4. What Can You Claim Compensation For?
A burn injury claim can include:
- General damages: pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Special damages: medical expenses, lost income, travel, rehabilitation
- Long-term care and support
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, depression)
Each case is assessed based on the injury’s impact on your life.
5. Example Compensation Amounts for Burn Injuries
According to Judicial College Guidelines:
- Minor burns: £1,000 – £6,000
- Moderate burns with scarring: £6,000 – £45,000
- Severe burns with disfigurement or disability: £90,000 – £250,000+
- Multiple or facial burns: Can exceed £300,000+
Your final payout depends on location, pain level, recovery time, and permanent effects.
6. How to Start a Burn Injury Claim
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident (to employer, business, or relevant authority)
- Take photos of your injuries and accident scene
- Collect witness contact details
- Contact a no win no fee solicitor for a free case assessment
The earlier you act, the better your chance of success.
7. What If the Burn Happened at Work?
Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment. If you were burned due to:
- Unsafe machinery
- Lack of training
- No protective gear
- Chemical exposure
You can claim under employer’s liability insurance. Your job is protected by law.
8. Can You Claim for Burn Scarring?
Yes. Scarring compensation considers:
- Visibility and location of scars (face, hands, etc.)
- Cosmetic and emotional effects
- Age and gender of the claimant
Long-term or permanent disfigurement increases the compensation amount.
9. Can Children Make Burn Injury Claims?
Yes. A parent or guardian can claim on a child’s behalf as a litigation friend. Children have until age 21 to start their claim. Court approval is required to finalise any settlement.
10. Can You Use a No Win No Fee Solicitor?
Absolutely. Most burn injury solicitors offer Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs):
- No upfront legal fees
- Pay only if your case wins
- Success fee (capped at 25%) deducted from your compensation
It’s a risk-free option to access justice.
11. Do You Need Medical Evidence?
Yes. Your solicitor will arrange an independent medical assessment to:
- Confirm the severity and recovery time
- Provide prognosis
- Document any psychological impact
This report is key to calculating your compensation accurately.
12. How Long Do You Have to Claim?
You generally have three years from:
- The date of the injury
- Or the date you became aware of the injury’s cause (in delayed cases)
Exceptions apply for minors and those with mental incapacity.
13. How Long Does a Burn Injury Claim Take?
Timelines vary:
- Simple claims: 4–6 months
- Moderate claims: 6–12 months
- Serious injury claims: 1–2+ years
Your solicitor will aim for a fair, timely resolution.
14. What If the Injury Was Partly Your Fault?
You can still claim under contributory negligence. Compensation is reduced based on your level of fault. For example, 20% fault = 80% compensation.
15. What Happens After You Win?
Once your claim is settled:
- You receive a lump sum payout
- Your solicitor deducts their agreed fee
- You can use the compensation for recovery, care, or quality-of-life improvements
Interim payments may be available in serious cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I claim for burns caused by a faulty product?
Yes. Manufacturers can be held liable under product liability law if their product caused your burn.
2. What if I was burned in a public place?
You can claim against the local council or business owner for failing to maintain safety.
3. Can I claim if I suffered emotional distress?
Yes. Psychological harm is compensable if supported by medical evidence.
4. Do I need to go to court?
Most claims settle out of court. Court is rare and only used if liability or compensation is disputed.
5. What if I’ve already returned to work?
You can still claim for pain, scarring, and previous lost earnings. Returning to work does not invalidate your case.
6. Can I claim if a loved one died from burn injuries?
Yes. You may be able to claim on their behalf for wrongful death, funeral expenses, and dependency loss.
Conclusion
Burn injuries can have life-altering physical and emotional effects, and pursuing a burn injury claim can help you secure the support and compensation you deserve. Whether the injury occurred at work, in public, or due to someone else’s negligence, a skilled solicitor can guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Don’t wait—act now to protect your future and recovery.
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