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Burns at work compensation claims

We specialise in helping those who are physically burned at work win the compensation they deserve. If you’re seeking compensation for burns suffered in the workplace, get in touch with our team today to make a claim.

What is a burn at work compensation claim?

Compensation for burns at work covers any instance of you receiving a burn in the workplace due to the negligence of another individual or a failure on your employer’s half to keep your place of work safe.

We all have a right to be safe at work, which is why taking the necessary safety precautions required to prevent dangers, such as a workplace fire, are very important. 

Failure to do so makes your employer liable for your injuries and makes you eligible to make a burn compensation claim.

 

Common causes of burns at work

There are numerous reasons as to why you might suffer a burn in the workplace. While it’s possible to suffer a burn in any work environment, the risk of being burned at work is increased if you work with flammable materials, gases, hot machinery, and open flames.

The following are some of the more common reasons you might suffer a burn at work:

  • Mishandling of hot liquids
  • Bursts of steam
  • Hot machinery or tools
  • Contact with extremely cold metal, glass, or objects
  • Exposure to electrical currents
  • A workplace fire
  • Mishandling of dangerous chemicals

Compensation for burns at work: your employer’s responsibility

No matter your place of work, every employer has a responsibility to provide safe working conditions for your wellbeing.

If you’re working with exposed flames, hot materials, or other potential sources of burn risks, your employer must take the extra safety precautions required to minimise the risk of you being burned at work.

Steps your employer should be taking to prevent you from being burned at work include, but are not limited to:

  • Strictly controlling access to dangerous substances and chemicals
  • Offering appropriate PPE for those working with hot fluids
  • Giving workers the proper protective equipment, such as heat resistant clothing, aprons, gloves, face masks, and breathing apparatus
  • Displaying appropriate warning stickers for potential heat hazards
  • Ventilating the work area properly
  • Immediately cleaning up hot liquid escapes or spills.
  • Training staff on the proper handling and use of their equipment
  • Providing access to first aid facilities such as eye washing, burn cream, and bandages to treat burns immediately
  • Carry out adequate risk assessments to reduce the potential of a workplace fire

An example of a burn at work compensation claim

According to recent reports by the HSE, a company in Birmingham was been fined after two employees sustained serious burns at work when flammable brake fluid ignited, causing a fire.

In the accident, two employees used brake cleaning fluid to clean the grease from the walls of a vehicle inspection pit in the workshop. Shortly after they had finished cleaning the walls there was a loud bang and the entire wall of the pit where the brake cleaner had been applied became engulfed in flames.

One employee managed to get out of the pit and ran to help his colleague whose clothing had caught fire, pulling him out of the pit and extinguishing the flames.

As a result, both employees received burns to their hands and legs, and one sustained 60 per cent burns, having to undergo an emergency surgical procedure to relieve the pressure from the swelling.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the company failed to carry out a risk assessment to consider whether it was possible to eliminate or reduce the risk.

They had not considered replacing the dangerous substance with another non-flammable substance or using a different work process. Jet-washing, a safe alternative, was already in use at the company’s other site but had not been implemented here.

In light of the clear negligence displayed by the company, both workers were granted generous compensation for the burns they received.

 

Making a burn at work compensation claim

If you’ve been burned at work due to the negligence of a third party, you’re likely eligible to make a burn at work compensation page.

To ensure that your case has the highest chance of success, you should get in touch with a solicitor as soon as you can to begin the claims process. They help guide you through the initial steps and begin the process of collecting evidence for your claim.

There are a variety of things that could qualify as evidence for a burned at work claim, including, but not limited to:

  • A record of your workplace’s accident book
  • Witness testimonies
  • Photographs of the accident site
  • Photographs of your burn
  • Records of medical treatment and expenses

 

How much could I claim for being burned at work?

Once you gathered enough evidence, your solicitor will then present your case to the accused party and the claims process can begin. Your solicitor will also be able to help you estimate how much you could claim during this time.

Of course, if you suffer a chemical burn in the workplace, then the type of evidence you need to collect may vary, as will the amount of compensation you could potentially claim for.

As all burn claims are different, the amount you could potentially claim for will be dependent on numerous factors. Such as:

  • The severity of your burns
  • The percentage of your body that received burn injuries
  • Any other injuries suffered, besides being burned, during your accident

Your solicitor will take all of these into account when estimating your claim’s potential worth, as well as a variety of other factors.

 

How long do I have to make my burned at work claim?

It’s important to remember that, with most personal injury claims in the UK, you only have a maximum of three years to make your claim. Therefore, the earlier you make your claim the more likely it is to be successful.

 

If you’re ready to make a claim, get in touch with our team at a time of your choosing. Together, we’ll help you start the claims process, and see if you’re eligible to make a no win, no fee claim.

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with expert solicitors in the field of work-related burns. They can guide you through the claims process, help you estimate how much your claim might be worth, and answer any questions you might have.

    Start by speaking to our expert team now and find out how much your claim could be worth...

    Am I eligible?

    If you have been harmed physically in the last 3 years, due to someone else’s negligence, the short answer is yes.

    Exceptions to this are for instance industrial disease or if you were a child at the time of the accident. In this case, you may have a longer period to claim.

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    How much could I claim?

    As every injury is different, the amount of compensation paid out can differ case to case. Varying factors lead to the final figure include: extent of your injuries, earnings missed out on, future losses and more.

    Our dedicated team of experts will give you an indication of how much you could potentially claim for.

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    How does the process work?

    We understand that when making a claim it’s important to know what to expect and when to expect it. That’s why we make the process as transparent & clear as possible.

    Your solicitor will gather all the evidence and will notify the negligent party that you wish to begin claim proceedings. With your solicitor negotiating on your behalf, you will be up to date every step of the way.

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