Burn Injury Compensation Claims

A burn injury compensation claim is a legal claim you can make if someone else’s negligence caused your burn injury. Our specialist solicitors can assess your case free of charge and explain your options clearly.

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Author

Stephen Hussey

Associate, Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

22nd July 2026

Can I make a burn injury compensation claim?

You can make a burn injury compensation claim if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether the burn was minor or severe, you have the right to seek compensation if another party failed in their duty to keep you safe.

Burn injuries can happen in many situations. Some people are burned at work because they were not given proper safety equipment or because chemicals or hot surfaces were left unguarded. Others are injured by faulty products such as heaters or electrical appliances that overheat or catch fire. Burns can also happen in places where fire safety rules have not been followed, or during beauty and hairdressing treatments when chemicals, sunbeds or lasers are used incorrectly.

Our first job is to work out who was responsible for your injury. Your solicitor will gather evidence such as witness accounts, medical records, photographs, accident reports and any available CCTV footage. This helps build a clear picture of what happened and who was at fault.

Even if you think you were partly to blame, you may still be able to claim. Even if you think you were partly to blame, you may still be able to claim. You generally have three years from the date of the accident, or from when you first realised your injury was linked to it.

Example of a burn injury claim

A café worker is responsible for emptying and cleaning a deep fat fryer at the end of every shift. They are given no heat‑resistant gloves and no training on how to drain the hot oil safely. One evening, as they lift the container, hot oil spills over their forearm.

The burn needs hospital treatment and leaves lasting scarring. Because the employer failed to provide proper training or protective equipment, they may have breached their duty of care. In this situation, the worker may be entitled to make a burn injury compensation claim.

Common burn injury claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Protecting your income and supporting your recovery

Compensation after a burn injury can help cover the cost of your treatment, support your recovery and protect your financial stability. It reflects both the immediate medical needs and the wider practical impact on your daily life.

Your claim will include general damages for the pain, scarring and impact on your daily life, and special damages for the financial losses you have faced. Keeping records and receipts for any expenses linked to your injury will help ensure your compensation reflects the true impact of what happened.

A successful burn injury claim may help fund:

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Understanding the potential value

Our client suffered a severe chemical burn to his leg after unknowingly leaning against a cloth contaminated with acid while working as a hygiene cleaner. The burn caused significant pain, lasting sensitivity and visible scarring, and over time he was forced to change jobs because of the ongoing effects.

The defendants initially offered £15,000. We pressed for a second medical opinion. With further medical evidence and expert handling, the final award went up by £7,000 to a settlement of £22,000.

How much you may receive will depend on your own injuries, how they affect your daily life and work, and the support you’ll need moving forward.

Support throughout your recovery

Recovering from a burn injury often involves a combination of pain relief, wound care, physical or occupational therapy, skin grafts and emotional support. Our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team can connect you with the specialists you need, helping you manage your symptoms, regain your independence and rebuild your confidence as you move forward.

Specialist burn injury claim solicitors

Our team has extensive experience handling burn injury compensation claims of all types and severity.

Why choose Fletchers for your burn injury claim

Fletchers has over 40 years of experience supporting people with burn injury claims and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation for clients injured through no fault of their own. Choose Fletchers and you’ll have a dedicated lead solicitor and support team with you from your first contact through to your final settlement.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist personal injury solicitors & experienced in burn injury claims
Ranked by Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and The Legal Directory
APIL‑accredited solicitors
Recognised with national personal injury awards
Named in The Times Best Law Firms
Trusted partner of the Spinal Injuries Association
Free initial consultation with no obligation
Strong track record of successful outcomes
Close links with rehabilitation specialists
Rated excellent on Trustpilot
‘No Win, No Fee’, so there’s no financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

A burn injury can affect many parts of your life. Scarring can stay sensitive, visible scars can affect your confidence, and scars over joints can make everyday movement more difficult. Many people also face financial pressure while they recover, especially if they need time away from work or have to pay for treatment and support. Relying on friends, family and healthcare professionals can take an emotional toll too.

We know that starting a burn injury compensation claim may feel overwhelming. When you’re focused on healing, the thought of legal proceedings is the last thing you need. But many of our clients tell us that securing compensation was a major step forward in their recovery. It meant they could return to work when they were ready and gave them a sense of justice knowing that responsibility had been acknowledged.

Let us handle your burn injury compensation claim so you can focus on your recovery. We’ll keep you updated at every stage and are always here to answer your questions.

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FAQs about burn injury claims

Can I claim for a burn injury?

You can claim for a burn injury if someone else’s negligence led directly to it. That person or organisation could be an employer, a business, a landlord, a manufacturer, or a driver.

You can claim compensation for a burn injury even if you were partly at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on how much of the accident was your responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence.

If someone burned you on purpose and you reported it to the police, this follows a different process, through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

What evidence do I need for a burn injury claim?

Your solicitor will collect medical records, accident reports and other documents to support your claim. You can help them by taking photographs at the scene of the accident and taking down eyewitness contact details.

If your accident happened at work, get the accident report, or a RIDDOR report for more serious work injuries. If it was a road accident, get the police report.

How long after a burn injury can I make a claim?

You have three years from the date of the accident, or from when you became aware that your injury was linked to it. There are exceptions, including for children, but it is always best to start as soon as you can.

How long does a burn injury claim take?

Burn injury claims can take a few months to a few years, depending on how complex your case is and whether the other party accepts responsibility. Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout so you know what to expect.

How do I start a burn injury claim?

Contact a specialist burn injury lawyer as soon as you can and tell them what happened. If they think you have a strong claim, they’ll let you know and explain your options. Call Fletchers or fill in our contact form for a free initial assessment. If we think you have a strong claim, we can usually begin the work within days.

Do burn injury claims go to court?

Most claims settle out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate with the other party to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. If a fair offer cannot be reached, they may advise taking the case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve. If yours does, your legal team prepares you for every stage.

Can I make a burn injury claim for someone else?

You may also be able to claim on behalf of others. You can make a claim for a child under 18 as their parent or legal guardian.

If a person lacks mental capacity, a family member or legal guardian can act as a ‘litigation friend’ to file the claim. And if a loved one has died from a severe burn, their family may be able to claim for financial loss, funeral costs and emotional suffering under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.