Claiming for a Burn Injury

Written By: Ayesha Salim on December 11, 2009 No Comment

Suffering from a burn injury is not just physically painful. It can be one of the most distressing episodes one can face in their lifetime depending on the severity of the injury. The more fortunate ones escape with minor burns that are easily treatable. Unfortunately some suffer more horrific burns which result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, or even death. The trauma associated with suffering these burns can stay with the individual for the rest of their life.

We use hot objects daily, and one minor slip can lead to somebody getting seriously burned. On a daily basis we use objects such as kettles and irons, which increases the risks of getting burned. There is also risk of sustaining burn injuries in public places and at work. Sometimes the burns are relatively minor, in which case they are easily treatable. However, other more severe burns can affect muscle tissue, bones and blood vessels.

It is important to note that burns can be caused by a wide range of substances, not just the most obvious ones. For instance, you can get burned by radiation, sunlight, and strong chemicals. There are also other side effects of burns such as smoke inhalation leading to respiratory problems. In other words, burn injuries can be more complex than you think, and complicated to claim for.

Burn are categorized as first, second or third degree burns, each one outlining their individual severity.

Suffering from burns at work

Your employer is responsible for your health and safety when you are at work, especially when you are working with dangerous materials. You may think you are working in a relatively safe environment. Think again. At work you can still be at risk from getting burns from kettles, or other electronic equipment.

Your employer should provide you with adequate safety equipment if you are working with materials, and you should have undergone some health and safety training on how to keep yourselves safe.

Being burned in a road accident

Suffering from whiplash or broken bones are not the only form of injuries that people suffer in road accidents. If the vehicle collides with another vehicle and catches fire, it can lead to its passengers suffering from burn injuries.

Burn injuries at other public places

On occasion some freak accident in a restaurant or cafe can lead to customers suffering burn injuries. Plates of hot food and hot drinks can sometimes lead to fatal spills leading to injury. This can be due to the customer’s fault or even the staff member’s personal clumsiness.

Making a claim for compensation

You can make a claim for compensation if you can prove that your burn injuries occurred as a result of somebody else’s negligence. For instance if your employer failed in providing you with the correct safety equipment, you could have a good cause to claim against them. Our solicitors should be able to assess your case and advise you on your next course of action.

Ayesha Salim , editor of the UK Lawyers Network, writes articles about solicitors, Lawyer, compensation claims, find a solicitor, legal, lawyer, law help advice, solicitors litigation