Burns and scalds are injuries that can range from skin deep to major physical or psychological scars. The pain, restricted movement and extensive treatments often required, such as plastic surgery, can significantly impact your quality of life.
If the worst has happened and you have sustained a burn due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to claim compensation. At Injury Lawyers 4U, we combine years of complex expertise with support to help you on your way to justice. Get in touch today to start your claim.
Who can make a burn injury claim?
Anyone who has been burned by an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence has a right to claim. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be eligible to claim compensation based on shared responsibility.
In order to prove your claim, get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U and we’ll help you to demonstrate that the responsible party owed you a duty of care and breached this duty, resulting in your injury. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team can assess your situation during a free consultation.
Common causes of burn injury claims
Burns are one of the most common personal injuries because of the number of scenarios that can cause them. Some of the most common causes are as follows:
- Workplace accidents — This could be exposure to hot surfaces, chemicals or faulty machinery.
- Service industry accidents — This could be from hot liquids in restaurants or salons.
- Road traffic accidents — This could be from fires or contact with heated vehicle parts.
- Chemical burns — This could be from exposure to hazardous substances.
- Medical negligence — This could be from errors during surgical procedures or treatment involving heat or chemicals.
How are burn injuries classified?
Burns are broken down, medically, into different levels of degree. The degree your burn is classified will dictate how much compensation you should hope to receive:
First-degree burns
These are superficial burns affecting only the outer layer of the skin. They bring with them redness of the affected skin, minor swelling and a little pain. This might be mild sunburn.
Second-degree burns
This is when the burn extends beyond the outer layer of the skin and causes blisters and severe pain. These burns require medical attention and can be significant enough to leave scars.
Third-degree burns
This is when the burn damages all layers of the skin and can even extend to tissue underneath. This can result in permanent scarring and might require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
If you’ve suffered a burn injury, it’s vital to seek medical treatment immediately and document the severity of your injury.
How much compensation can I receive for a burn injury claim?
The amount of compensation you should expect to receive for a burn will depend on the degree and how much it has affected your life. As with other personal injury cases, damages are typically split into two categories:
- General damages — This covers pain, suffering and loss caused by the injury.
- Special damages — This covers financial loss, like loss of earnings, rehabilitation or care costs.
For an estimate of the level of general damages compensation you should expect, use our helpful compensation calculator.
Interim payments might also be available to help cover rehabilitation costs while your claim is ongoing. For a tailored estimate based on your situation, contact our team.
What evidence do I need to support my burn injury compensation claim?
After seeking medical treatment, the next step in a burn claim is to gather evidence that proves negligence was at least partly responsible for the accident that caused your burn. Here is some of the evidence that will help build a strong case:
- Photos or footage showing the accident site and the hazard that caused it.
- Witness statements supporting your version of events.
- Independent medical assessments to document the extent of your injuries. We can assist with this.
- Evidence of the medical treatment you’ve received, along with a diary detailing your burn symptoms and medical appointments.
- Any documentation or receipts that show the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the burn.
Our specialist injury solicitors can support you through this process if you have yet to collect certain documents, files or other information. The sooner we view the evidence, the sooner we can begin processing your claim.
What are the time limits for making a burn injury claim?
In most cases, you must file your burn injury claim within three years of the incident. The clock starts ticking from the date of your accident or the date you became aware that your injury was caused by negligence. However, there are exceptions:
Claims can be made on behalf of a child at any time before their 18th birthday. After turning 18, they have three years to file a claim themselves. And if the injured person is unable to manage their own affairs, there is no time limit until they regain their mental capacity.
Can I make a no win no fee burn injury claim?
At Injury Lawyers 4U, we always operate on a no win, no fee basis. That means you won’t pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, ensuring there’s no financial risk to you. So don’t go on thinking you can’t afford to make a claim, we’ll take the case and only collect fees if we win for you.
Next steps in the burn injury claim process
If you, a family member or loved one has suffered a burn injury that wasn’t their fault, the first step in a successful claim is getting in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U. We’re regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which ensures a professional and ethical approach to your claim.
You can reach us directly on 0333 400 4445 or, if you’d prefer, please feel free to fill in the contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.