Suffering a burn injury can be one of the most painful and traumatic experiences a person can go through. Beyond the physical pain, many people also face emotional distress, time off work, and long-term scarring that affects confidence and quality of life. Whether your injury happened in a workplace, public space, or medical setting, you may be entitled to compensation if someone else was responsible.
If you live in or around Gloucester and have suffered a burn injury due to negligence, understanding your legal rights can make all the difference in your recovery and financial security. This guide explains the key aspects of burn injury claims, what you can claim for, and how to prove that another party was at fault.
Common causes of burn injuries
Burn injuries can occur in many environments, and the causes often determine who may be liable for your claim. Some of the most common situations include:
- Workplace accidents: Hot machinery, electrical faults, chemical spills, or steam burns are common in industrial and catering settings. Employers are legally required to provide safe equipment, training, and protective clothing.
- Public accidents: Burns can happen in restaurants, gyms, salons, or hotels where hot surfaces or chemicals are not handled properly. If health and safety standards were ignored, the business may be liable.
- Road traffic accidents: Car crashes and fuel explosions can lead to severe thermal burns. The at-fault driver’s insurer can usually be held responsible.
- Medical negligence: Burns can result from faulty medical equipment, surgical errors, or chemical exposure during treatment. Hospitals and clinics have strict duty-of-care obligations.
- Defective products: Electrical appliances, hair styling tools, or heating systems that malfunction can cause burns. In these cases, the manufacturer or retailer may be held responsible under product liability law.
Each of these scenarios involves different laws and types of evidence, which is why getting early legal advice is essential.
The different degrees of burn injuries
Burn injuries are categorised by severity, which affects both your treatment and the value of your compensation claim.
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin and usually heal quickly, leaving minimal scarring.
- Second-degree burns reach the deeper skin layers and can cause blistering, infection, and lasting discolouration.
- Third-degree burns destroy both skin and underlying tissue, often requiring skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation.
- Fourth-degree burns can extend to muscle and bone and may lead to permanent disability or amputation.
Compensation is typically higher for more serious burns, especially if there are visible scars, nerve damage, or long-term psychological effects.
What you can claim for
When making a burn injury claim, you are entitled to pursue compensation for both general and special damages.
General damages cover the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury itself. This also includes the impact on your daily life, confidence, and future opportunities.
Special damages relate to the financial impact of your injury, which can include:
- Lost income from time off work
- Future loss of earnings if you cannot return to your previous role
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Cosmetic surgery or scar treatment expenses
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle if your mobility has been affected
A solicitor will work with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
Proving negligence in a burn injury claim
Proving negligence is the foundation of any successful compensation claim. To succeed, your solicitor must demonstrate three key elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant (for example, your employer, a business, or a medical professional) owed you a legal duty to ensure your safety.
- Breach of duty: That duty was breached because they acted carelessly, failed to maintain equipment, ignored safety protocols, or used defective products.
- Causation: Your injury was a direct result of that breach.
To support your claim, your solicitor will gather detailed evidence such as:
- Photographs of the scene and your injuries
- Accident reports or health and safety logs
- Witness statements
- CCTV footage
- Medical records and expert opinions
- Maintenance or inspection records
- Correspondence from employers, insurers, or product manufacturers
The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your claim will be. Even if the incident happened months ago, it is still worth investigating, as solicitors often uncover documentation that clients were unaware existed.
How long do you have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. There are some exceptions, however:
- If you only discovered that your burns were caused by negligence later (for example, due to a medical error), the time limit may begin from the date of discovery.
- For those lacking mental capacity, there is no strict time limit until capacity is regained.
- For children, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday.
It is always advisable to seek legal professional guidance; early action ensures that evidence is preserved and witness statements are taken while memories are fresh.
Compensation amounts for burn injuries
Every burn injury case is unique, so compensation amounts vary depending on the severity, location, and impact of the burns. However, the Judicial College Guidelines provide a general framework used by courts and insurers.
For example:
- Minor burns with limited scarring may attract between £2,000 and £6,000
- Moderate burns with noticeable scarring could range from £6,000 to £20,000
- Severe disfiguring burns, particularly to the face or hands, can exceed £50,000 and, in some cases reach over £100,000
These figures are purely indicative, and your solicitor will consider additional financial losses and care costs when valuing your claim.
The emotional impact of burn injuries
While the physical pain of a burn injury can fade with time, the emotional and psychological scars often last much longer. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, particularly if the injury caused visible disfigurement.
A solicitor who understands the full impact of such trauma will ensure your claim reflects this. Counselling, therapy, and reconstructive treatments are often included as part of a settlement to help clients rebuild their confidence and independence.
Making a burn injury claim in Gloucester
If you suffered a burn injury in Gloucester, you can start your claim locally with a personal injury solicitor who understands both the area and the regional courts. Marley Solicitors regularly handles cases across Gloucestershire, including those involving workplace accidents, public liability, and medical negligence.
Your solicitor will start by offering a free initial consultation, where they will assess the circumstances of your injury, determine whether negligence occurred, and estimate how much compensation you could be entitled to.
Most claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if your case is successful. This ensures that everyone, regardless of income, can access expert legal support.
Taking the next step
A burn injury can turn your life upside down, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. With the right legal team behind you, it is possible to secure the financial aid you deserve and begin rebuilding your future.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a burn injury in Gloucester, reach out to Marley Solicitors for clear, compassionate, and practical legal advice. Our experienced team can guide you through every stage of your claim and help you secure the justice and financial support you need.
Speak with Marley Solicitors today to arrange your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.