1
Contact or call for free on 0333 358 3034
2
Talk through the details of your claim. Just so you know, we're FCA regulated.
3
Find out if you could claim & speak to a real person.
4
Secure the compensation you deserve
Burn Injury Claims
Your Guide to Compensation for Burn Accidents in England and Wales
Updated July 2026
You may be entitled to make a burn injury claim if negligence by someone else played a role in your accident. Burn injuries rank among the most painful and life‑changing injuries someone can experience. Whether the burn happened in a road accident, a public space, at work, in a rented home, due to a defective product, or even during surgery, you may be entitled to compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault.
When Can You Make a Burn Injury Claim?
Burn injuries occur in many everyday environments and they often happen because someone failed to take reasonable care. In England and Wales, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim if your burn resulted from another party’s negligence. Compensation can help you recover financially, access specialist treatment, and rebuild your life after a traumatic incident.
Such injuries vary in severity, from superficial first‑degree burns to deep third‑degree burns that damage nerves, muscles and tissue. The NHS advises that if you have suffered severe burns that are “very large or deep” and which have been caused by an acid, chemical or electricity, you should go to your nearest A&E.
However, no matter the level of injury, you have the right to explore a claim if someone else caused or contributed to the hazard.
TRY THE ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CHECKERBurn Injuries in Road Accidents
Road accidents frequently involve burns caused by:
- Vehicle fires
- Explosions
- Hot metal or leaking fluids
- Airbag deployment
- Chemical exposure from hazardous loads
If another driver, a commercial operator, or even a local authority failed to keep the roads safe, you may want to pursue a road accident burn claim. Evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements and fire service reports strengthens your case.
Burn Injuries in Public Spaces
There is strict legislation for public places which requires that they must be kept safe under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Burns in public spaces often occur due to:
- Exposed hot surfaces
- Faulty electrics
- Spilled chemicals
- Unsafe cooking equipment at events
- Malfunctioning heating units
If your burn happened in a shop, shopping centre, park, restaurant, leisure centre, festival or any other public venue, you may be able to claim against the organisation responsible for maintaining the space.
Burn Injuries at Work
Employers are also required to follow strict health and safety regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has details on when a burn injury at work is reportable. We have seen that burn injuries at work often involve:
- Industrial machinery
- Hot surfaces or steam
- Chemical burns
- Electrical faults
- Explosions or fires
- Inadequate PPE
If your employer failed to provide training, maintain equipment or follow safety procedures, you can pursue a workplace burn injury claim. Your life can be seriously affected by such injuries and compensation can cover lost earnings, rehabilitation, specialist scar treatment and long‑term care.
Burn Injuries in a Rented Home (Landlord Negligence)
Landlords must ensure rented properties are safe and compliant with UK’s Housing Regulations. Burn injuries in rented homes may include:
- Faulty boilers
- Unsafe radiators
- Exposed wiring
- Defective cookers
- Poorly maintained heating systems
- Electrical faults
If your landlord ignored repair requests or failed to meet legal safety standards, you may be entitled to compensation for burn injuries caused by landlord negligence. Key evidence in this type of claim can include photographs, repair logs and inspection reports.
Burn Injuries from Defective Products
Manufacturers and retailers must ensure products are safe before they reach consumers. Burn injuries can potentially occur due to:
- Faulty electronics
- Overheating appliances
- Exploding batteries
- Defective chargers
- Unsafe beauty tools
- Malfunctioning kitchen equipment
Top Tip: Keep the product, packaging and receipts to support your case.
Burns During Surgery or Medical Treatment
Medical professionals must follow strict clinical standards. But, burns during surgery or treatment may happen due to:
- Faulty medical equipment
- Laser treatment errors
- Negligent use of cauterising tools
- Poorly monitored heating pads
- Chemical burns from incorrect solutions
If your burn resulted from medical negligence, you can pursue a clinical negligence claim. In this type of claim, medical records and expert opinions play a crucial role when it comes to evidence.
Evidence You Should Gather
Strong evidence makes a big difference proving negligence and may include:
- Photos and videos of the burn and hazard
- Medical records and treatment notes
- Accident reports
- Witness details
- Product receipts or faulty items
- Correspondence with landlords, employers or organisations
Your solicitor can help you collect additional evidence such as CCTV footage, fire service reports or expert assessments.
How Much Compensation For a Burn Injury?
The exact amount of compensation you may be entitled to claim for your burn injury will depend on your specific circumstances. How much compensation is decided based upon several factors including the pain, suffering and loss a victim may have experienced. Regarding facial injuries, the effects of burns will normally be regarded as more serious as they tend to cause a greater degree of pain and may lead to continuing physical and psychological injury.
The figures below are from the Judicial College Guidelines and serve as a guide only to the amount you may receive for your burn injury alone.
Type of burn injury or scarring |
Potential compensation |
| Minor burn injury that affects only a small area | £2,080 – £4,310 |
| Moderate burn injury that leaves prominent scarring | £4,820 – £36,720 |
| Severe burn injury (3rd-degree burns) | £21,920 – £59,090 |
| Minor scarring | £2,080 – £4,310 |
| Visible scarring | £4,820 – £36,720 |
| Scarring due to thermal or non-thermal heat or chemicals | The exact amount of compensation awarded will depend on the location and severity of the scarring |
You may also be able to claim for financial loss sustained as a result of the accident. If you have had to take time off work because of your injuries, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings. In addition, you may be able to recover the cost of any clothing or belongings damaged in your accident. A compensation claim can also help to cover the cost of specialist treatment, rehabilitation or camouflage makeup to help conceal permanent scarring and boost self-confidence.
TRY THE ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CHECKERHow Do You Start a Burn Injury Claim?
Getting started with a burn injury claim is straightforward:
Seek medical attention: Your health comes first, and medical records support your claim.
Report the incident: Notify the organisation responsible (employer, landlord, venue, manufacturer).
Gather evidence: Photos, reports and witness details are essential.
Contact a specialist solicitor: They will assess your case and guide you through the process.
Begin your claim: Your solicitor will submit your claim, negotiate with insurers and pursue compensation.
We partner with highly experienced personal injury solicitors who offer a free, initial assessment to check whether you have a valid claim.
FAQs: Burn Injury Claims
How long do I have to claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the burn or from the date you realised negligence caused your injury.
Can I claim on behalf of a child?
Yes. Children have until their 18th birthday, plus three years, to pursue a claim. This means they have until their 21st birthday to start a claim.
Do burn injury claims go to court?
Most claims settle out of court, but your solicitor will represent you if a hearing becomes necessary.
How long does a burn injury claim take?
It depends on complexity, severity and evidence availability. Serious burns may take longer due to medical assessments.
Ready to Begin Your Burn Injury Claim?
If you suffered a burn because someone failed to keep you safe, you may want to take the first step towards compensation. A successful claim can help you access medical treatment, recover financial losses, and rebuild your life.
The sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your claim will be.
To arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation, contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form.
About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.
Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer