Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · June 2026 · ~4 min read
WorkClaim UK is a trading name of Edward and Amaury Limited (Edward & Amaury Solicitors), authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 800525).
Quick Summary
- Burn injuries at work include thermal, chemical, electrical, and friction burns
- Compensation depends on the burn depth (first, second, third or fourth degree), the percentage of body surface area affected, scarring, and the impact on work and daily life
- The most serious burns and facial scarring attract some of the highest awards in the Judicial College Guidelines, and special damages for reconstructive surgery and lost earnings can exceed the general damages
- Employer duties under COSHH 2002, PUWER 1998, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 all apply
- The three-year limitation period runs from the date of accident
How much compensation can you claim for a burn injury at work?
General damages for burn injuries are valued by reference to the burn depth, percentage of body surface area affected, the level of scarring, and any psychiatric injury. The Judicial College Guidelines bracket scarring and burns separately.
Burns and scarring to the body are valued in brackets that run from a single noticeable scar or several small scars, through larger or more noticeable scarring, to burns covering a large part of the body. The most serious burns are often valued with reference to other brackets too, because they tend to involve psychological injury and damage to function as well as scarring.
Facial scarring has its own brackets, from trivial scarring with only a minor cosmetic effect up to very severe scarring with a severe psychological reaction.
The Judicial College published the 18th edition of its guidelines on 9 April 2026, raising most brackets by about 8.26% to reflect inflation (DAC Beachcroft). We only publish bracket figures we have been able to check against a reliable published source for the new edition, so this section describes how awards are assessed rather than quoting out-of-date amounts. A free case assessment will tell you where your injury is likely to sit.
Special damages — reconstructive surgery, scar revision, psychological treatment, and loss of earnings — frequently exceed general damages in serious burn cases.
What causes burn injuries at work?
- Thermal burns — hot fluids, steam, ovens, molten metal, hot machinery surfaces
- Chemical burns — acids, alkalis, cleaning chemicals (employer duties under COSHH 2002)
- Electrical burns — contact with live equipment (Electricity at Work Regulations 1989)
- Friction burns — from machinery, ropes, conveyor belts
- Flash burns and flame burns — from fires, gas leaks, welding flashes
What special damages can you claim?
- Reconstructive and scar-revision surgery — including private treatment to avoid NHS delays
- Psychological treatment — CBT, EMDR for trauma and body-image distress
- Cosmetic camouflage — specialist products and tattooing
- Lost earnings — past and future
- Aids and adaptations for severe burns affecting mobility or temperature regulation
- Care and assistance during recovery, often substantial in serious cases
What evidence is needed?
The accident book entry, A&E and burns unit records, photographs of the injuries throughout recovery, the operation note for any skin grafts or reconstructive surgery, psychological reports, and witness evidence. Photographs are particularly important because scarring evolves and the initial appearance is part of the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for psychological injury alongside a burn?
Yes. Burn injuries frequently cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression — particularly where there is visible scarring. Psychological injury is a separate head of damage supported by a psychiatric report.
What if I was not wearing PPE at the time?
You may still claim. If your employer failed to provide suitable PPE, failed to enforce its use, or failed to train you, the bulk of liability remains with them. A finding of contributory negligence reduces the award proportionately but rarely eliminates the claim.
How long do burn claims take?
Burn claims typically take 12 to 24 months. Severe cases requiring reconstructive surgery can take longer because the final scar appearance and prognosis need to stabilise before settlement.
Find out what your burn injury claim is worth
Free case assessment — or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525).