WorkClaim UK Editorial · June 2026 · ~5 min read
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
- General damages for facial scarring alone can exceed £100,000 in serious cases; major burns over a large area can attract awards in excess of £130,000
- 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 (general)
| Severity | Description | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Trivial scarring | Single noticeable scar or several small scars | £2,490 – £8,260 |
| Less significant scarring | One or two limited noticeable scars, larger area but cosmetic only | £4,000 – £13,740 |
| Significant scarring | Burns covering 40%+ body area, or where psychological impact is significant | £30,090 – £104,830 |
Facial scarring (women and men, applied without reference to gender)
| Severity | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Trivial | £1,940 – £4,000 |
| Less significant | £4,540 – £15,750 |
| Significant | £11,120 – £36,720 |
| Less severe | £21,990 – £59,460 |
| Very severe | £36,720 – £121,140 |
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).
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