Burn Injury Claims From Workplace or Public Accidents in Preston

Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-changing types of injury a person can experience. In Preston, accidents leading to burns can occur in many different settings, from industrial workplaces to public areas such as restaurants, shops, or leisure facilities. These injuries often require lengthy treatment, may cause permanent scarring, and can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Preston due to workplace negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide explains the causes of burn injuries, the responsibilities of employers and organisations, and the steps involved in making a claim.

Common causes of burn injuries in Preston

Burn injuries can happen in a wide range of circumstances. Some of the most common include:

• Workplace accidents: Contact with hot machinery, chemicals, or electrical equipment.
• Kitchen incidents: Burns from boiling liquids, hot oil, or faulty appliances in restaurants and cafes.
• Chemical exposure: Accidents involving hazardous substances in factories, warehouses, or laboratories.
• Public accidents: Scalds from hot drinks, faulty heating systems, or spillages in shops and leisure venues.
• Electrical accidents: Burns from faulty wiring or unsafe public equipment.
• Road traffic collisions: In some cases, fires or explosions can lead to serious burn injuries.

Identifying the cause is key to understanding who is responsible.

Types of burn injuries

Burns are classified according to severity, which also influences how claims are valued. The main categories are:

• First-degree burns: Superficial damage to the outer layer of skin, often painful but with relatively quick recovery.
• Second-degree burns: Deeper damage affecting multiple layers of skin, often requiring dressings and specialist care.
• Third-degree burns: Severe burns that destroy skin and underlying tissue, frequently requiring surgery or skin grafts.
• Chemical or electrical burns: These can cause extensive internal as well as external damage.

Even minor burns can leave lasting scars or lead to complications such as infections. More serious burns may require reconstructive surgery and cause lifelong physical or psychological effects.

The duty of care in workplaces and public spaces

Employers and organisations in Preston have a legal responsibility to protect people from avoidable harm. Their duties include:

• Conducting risk assessments and identifying potential hazards.
• Providing protective equipment, such as gloves or face shields, where necessary.
• Training staff on safe handling of hot equipment, chemicals, or electrical systems.
• Maintaining machinery, wiring, and appliances to safe standards.
• Ensuring public areas such as cafes or leisure centres are safe for visitors.

If these responsibilities are ignored and an accident occurs, the employer or organisation may be held legally liable.

Impact of burn injuries

Burn injuries can have devastating effects that go far beyond the initial pain. Victims often face:

• Physical consequences: Scarring, restricted movement, infections, or amputations in extreme cases.
• Psychological effects: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, often linked to visible scarring.
• Social and practical challenges: Difficulties returning to work, changes in appearance, or reduced independence.

These impacts highlight why compensation is so important: it provides financial support for treatment, rehabilitation, and the adjustments needed to rebuild life after an injury.

Can you claim compensation for a burn injury?

If you suffered a burn injury in Preston due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a claim. To succeed, you must generally prove that:

1. You were owed a duty of care by the employer, business, or authority.
2. That duty was breached through unsafe practices or conditions.
3. The breach directly caused your injury.

Compensation is intended to reflect both financial losses and the broader impact on your quality of life.

What compensation can cover

Burn injury compensation may include:

• Medical treatment, including surgery, skin grafts, or specialist therapy.
• Rehabilitation such as physiotherapy or counselling.
• Loss of earnings during recovery.
• Future loss of earnings if your ability to work is reduced.
• Costs of mobility aids, cosmetic treatments, or adaptations to the home.
• General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Because burns can have lifelong consequences, claims are often higher in value than for less serious injuries.

Steps to take after a burn injury

If you experience a burn injury, taking the right actions will protect your health and any potential claim:

1. Seek medical treatment immediately and follow all medical advice.
2. Report the accident to your employer, business, or relevant authority.
3. Ensure the incident is logged in an accident book where applicable.
4. Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries.
5. Gather witness details from anyone present.
6. Keep receipts and records of medical costs, travel, or lost income.
7. Contact a solicitor experienced in handling burn injury claims.

Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and ensures your case is supported.

Time limits for bringing a claim

Most personal injury claims must be started within three years of the accident. For children, the time limit begins on their 18th birthday. Although this allows some flexibility, early action is recommended, as evidence is easier to gather while events are still fresh.

Why local expertise matters in Preston

Burn injury claims may involve local workplaces, public venues, or authorities in Preston. A solicitor with local knowledge understands how these organisations operate and can investigate effectively. Local expertise also helps when identifying accident hotspots or liaising with hospitals and healthcare providers in the area.

At Marley Solicitors, we combine legal skill with local insight to provide clear advice and practical support for those affected by burn injuries.

FAQ

Can I claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. Even if you were partly responsible, you may still receive compensation. The amount awarded may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

What if my burn injury happened in a restaurant or shop?
Businesses have a duty to keep customers safe. If poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or unsafe practices caused your burn, you may have a valid claim against the operator.

Speak to a Preston solicitor today

If you or a family member has suffered a burn injury in Preston due to a workplace accident or unsafe public environment, legal advice can make all the difference. Marley Solicitors can assess your case, explain your options clearly, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact Marley Solicitors today to speak with a Preston-based solicitor about your burn injury claim. We are here to support you through every stage of the process.