Severe Burn Injury Claims in Newcastle and Tyne & Wear

Severe burn injuries can have life-changing consequences for individuals and their families. Beyond the immediate pain and trauma, they often result in lengthy hospital stays, multiple surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation and significant psychological distress. In Newcastle and across Tyne & Wear, Marley Solicitors supports people who have suffered serious burns caused by accidents, negligence, or unsafe working conditions. Our experienced personal injury team helps clients secure compensation to cover treatment costs, lost earnings and long-term care needs.

Understanding severe burn injuries

A burn is considered severe when it penetrates deep into the skin or affects a large area of the body. These injuries are often categorised as third- or fourth-degree burns, which can damage muscles, nerves, and even bones. Severe burns can arise in many settings, including industrial workplaces, construction sites, restaurants, transport incidents and domestic properties. In Newcastle, where heavy industry and busy service sectors still operate side by side, the risk of serious burns remains a pressing issue for workers and the public alike.

Severe burns typically require urgent medical attention at a specialist burns unit. Patients may undergo skin grafts, reconstructive surgery and long-term wound management. They are also more vulnerable to complications, such as infections, organ failure, and psychological trauma. These factors make it essential to seek professional legal advice if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to the injury.

Common causes of severe burn injuries

Burn injuries can occur in many different circumstances. Some of the most common causes our team sees in Newcastle and Tyne & Wear include:

• Industrial accidents – Exposure to hot machinery, molten metal, chemicals or pressurised steam in factories and workshops can result in catastrophic burns.
• Construction and engineering sites – Electrical burns from faulty wiring or contact with live cables, as well as thermal burns from welding equipment, are risks in these environments.
• Hospitality and catering – Kitchens, restaurants and takeaway outlets involve high temperatures, hot oil and sharp equipment, increasing the chance of scalds and burns.
• Transport incidents – Fuel spills, fires following collisions and defective vehicle components can all cause severe burns.
• Defective products – Faulty household appliances, e-cigarettes, hair styling tools and other consumer products can overheat or explode.
• Domestic accidents – Poorly maintained gas appliances or unsafe electrical installations may result in burns within the home.

Understanding the context of your injury is crucial for building a strong claim. Our solicitors investigate every aspect of how and why the burn occurred to ensure liability is properly established.

The impact of a severe burn injury

Severe burns are not just a physical injury; they affect nearly every part of a person’s life. Clients in Newcastle and Tyne & Wear often tell us about the following challenges:

• Lengthy medical treatment – Months or years of surgeries, skin grafts, dressing changes and physiotherapy.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement – Visible scarring can impact self-confidence, social interactions and career opportunities.
• Loss of earnings – Time off work, reduced hours or permanent inability to return to a previous role can have serious financial implications.
• Adaptations to daily living – Some people require specialised equipment, home modifications or personal care assistance.
• Emotional and psychological trauma – Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression are common after severe burns.

By accounting for these factors, Marley Solicitors seeks to achieve settlements that reflect the full impact of the injury, not just immediate medical costs.

Establishing liability in severe burn claims

To succeed in a compensation claim, it is necessary to show that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty and caused your injury as a result. Examples include:

• An employer failing to provide adequate protective equipment or training in a high-risk workplace.
• A property owner not maintaining safe electrical or gas systems.
• A manufacturer releasing a defective product without adequate warnings.

Our Newcastle-based team gathers medical evidence, accident reports, witness statements and expert assessments to build a compelling case. We also work with burns specialists to assess the long-term implications of your injury.

Calculating compensation for severe burn injuries

No two burn injury claims are exactly alike. The level of compensation depends on factors such as:

• The severity and location of the burns.
• The extent of scarring or disfigurement.
• The length of medical treatment and rehabilitation required.
• The impact on your ability to work and earn a living.
• Any psychological harm or ongoing pain.
• The cost of care, home adaptations or assistive technology.

We provide clear guidance on the likely value of your claim based on official guidelines and previous settlements. Our goal is to secure enough funding to cover both current and future needs.

Time limits for bringing a claim

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to start a compensation claim for a severe burn. However, there are exceptions for children or people who lack mental capacity. It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as early investigation helps preserve evidence and improves your prospects of success. Marley Solicitors can guide you through each step, ensuring deadlines are met and your rights are protected.

How Marley Solicitors can help

Choosing the right legal support can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim. At Marley Solicitors, we:

• Offer specialist expertise in serious injury claims, including severe burns.
• Have a proven track record of representing clients across Newcastle and Tyne & Wear.
• Handle all aspects of the legal process, from initial investigation to settlement negotiations.
• Collaborate with leading medical experts to produce robust evidence of your injuries.
• Provide clear communication and practical support throughout your case.

We understand that the period after a severe burn injury can feel overwhelming. Our team focuses on reducing stress for you and your family while fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Rehabilitation and support after a severe burn

Beyond legal representation, we are committed to helping clients access rehabilitation services. In Newcastle, specialist burn units and community rehabilitation teams offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and support groups. Early access to these services can improve physical recovery and emotional resilience. Marley Solicitors can include the cost of ongoing treatment, counselling or prosthetics as part of your compensation claim.

Supporting families and dependants

Severe burns affect not only the injured person but also their loved ones. Family members often take on caring roles, face financial pressures and experience emotional strain. We advise families on their legal rights, potential claims for care costs, and support for dependents if the injured person can no longer provide financial assistance. By taking a holistic approach, we aim to ease the burden on the entire household.

Taking the next step

If you or someone you care about has suffered a severe burn injury in Newcastle or anywhere in Tyne & Wear, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Marley Solicitors will listen to your story, explain your options and outline the steps involved in making a claim. Acting promptly allows us to gather the strongest possible evidence and secure the best outcome for you.

Contact our Newcastle office today to arrange a confidential discussion about your circumstances. We are here to support you on the road to recovery and ensure you receive fair compensation for the impact of your injury.