A guide to claiming for serious burn injuries

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Severe burns and scalds can have a life-changing impact on the sufferer. They can cause damage to nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Serious burns can lead to permanent scarring – which can reduce mobility; in some cases, burn injuries can even be fatal.

The NHS states that around 130,000 people visit Emergency Departments with burn injuries in England alone every year. Roughly 500 of these patients are admitted to hospital with severe burn injuries which require fluid-resuscitation – and half of these are children under the age of 16.

In this guide, we look at the different degrees of burns, the common causes of burn and scald injures, and how you can make a claim for compensation:

What are the different degrees of burns?

Burns and scalds are categorised into three main degrees, depending on the severity:

• First-degree burns: These are generally more superficial, only affecting the top layer of the skin. They can be very painful, but it is usually possible to treat them at home.
• Second-degree burns: These cause slightly more damage, but the deeper layers of your skin remain intact. You are likely to experience blisters and the weeping of clear fluid. They can become infected if they are not properly cared for.
• Third-degree burns: These are considerably more serious and severe damage can be caused to the deeper layers of the skin. The skin may appear white or blackened or it could feel hard to the touch. There may not be any pain or sensation in the area due to nerve damage.

What causes severe burns and scalds?

Severe burns and scalds can occur because of accidents involving heat or open flames, hot liquids or steam, chemicals, electricity, cold, radiation, sunshine and friction.

They often happen at work and in road traffic collisions but can also occur in other personal accidents and even as a result of surgical errors.

How much will I be awarded in a 3^rd degree burn settlement?

If you’ve suffered a 3^rd degree burn or a severe scald, and it is possible to prove someone else was to blame, the amount you receive in a compensation claim will depend upon the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Our experienced serious injury team will work hard to ensure you are awarded as much in damages as possible.

What will my burn injury compensation cover?

When securing burn compensation amounts, we make sure that the settlement covers:

• Short-term treatment for the burns
• Long-term treatment, including cosmetic surgery
• Emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident
• Loss of income
• Transportation to the hospital and appointments
• Any structural changes to your home that are necessary to accommodate your injuries.

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How can Thompsons Solicitors support me?

Our serious injury team will ensure you have access to rehabilitation from the point of discharge from the hospital. We can help to secure you interim payments for immediate treatment and rehabilitation needs, and we can support you in understanding any complex medical and legal terminology as you access treatment and pursue a claim for compensation.

Where appropriate, we can also put you and your loved ones in touch with local support groups and we can appoint experts to help you make the necessary adjustment to your life – such as adapting your home or vehicle as required.

How do I make a claim for severe burns with Thompsons Solicitors?

If someone else was to blame for your burn injury, you may be able to claim compensation. There is a three-year time limit from the date of your accident to make a claim, so call us today on 0800 0 224 224 to speak to a member of our serious injury team.