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How to Claim for a Thermal Injury at Work
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by tanya
How to Claim for a Thermal Injury at Work
About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.
Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer
Was Your Employer Negligent?
If you have you suffered a burn, scald, or other thermal injury on the job, this guide explains how to claim for a thermal injury at work. Importantly, if your employer was negligent, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
To succeed in a claim, you must be able to show that your employer failed in their legal duty to keep you safe and you were harmed as a direct result. Therefore, employer negligence includes factors such as a lack of PPE, poor training or failure to maintain machinery.
Our team can help you get started on your personal injury claim today as we work with highly experienced solicitors in work injury claims. Your first initial, consultation is free and they offer a No Win, No Fee option which means there are no upfront costs for you.
What is a Thermal Injury?
A thermal injury happens when your skin or body tissues are damaged by heat, fire, steam, hot liquids, or extreme cold. Common examples may include:
- Burns from hot machinery or surfaces
- Scalds from boiling water or steam
- Chemical burns
- Frostbite from inadequate cold-weather protection
When these injuries occur because your employer failed to keep you safe, you may be able to bring a claim under health and safety laws.
Employer Negligence Explained
Your employer must provide a safe workplace under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Negligence may include:
- Lack of training in handling hot equipment or chemicals
- Failure to supply protective clothing (PPE)
- Ignoring or skipping risk assessments
- Broken machinery left unfixed
- Poor workplace safety culture
If these failures led to your injury, you could hold your employer accountable through a compensation claim.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim for a Thermal Injury
- Seek Medical Help – Always get a medical report. This proves the injury and supports your case.
- Report the Accident – Ensure it’s logged in your employer’s accident book.
- Collect Evidence – Take photos, keep receipts, and gather witness statements.
- Speak to a Solicitor – Many personal injury lawyers offer “No Win, No Fee” agreements.
- Start Your Claim – You usually have 3 years to begin a thermal injury claim.
- Negotiate Settlement – Most cases settle with the employer’s insurer without court.
How Is Compensation Calculated?
Compensation for thermal injuries is divided into:
General Damages
Covers your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life). Severity, scarring, psychological effects, and disability all influence the amount.
Special Damages
Covers your financial losses, including:
- Lost earnings (past and future)
- Medical treatment costs
- Travel expenses for appointments
- Care and rehabilitation costs
- Adaptations if you cannot return to work fully
Time Limits for Claiming
- 3 years from the date of the injury (or when you realised its severity).
- For children, the limit starts at age 18.
- The law may extend the time limit for people who lack mental capacity. .
FAQs Compensation for Thermal Burns
1. What counts as negligence for a thermal injury claim?
Failure to provide PPE, training, or safe equipment can count as negligence if it leads to a burn, scald, or frostbite injury.
2. How much compensation can I get for a burn at work?
Minor burns may settle for a few thousand pounds, while severe burns with scarring or disability can exceed six figures.
3. Do I need a solicitor for a thermal injury claim?
Yes, a solicitor improves your chances of success and can negotiate with insurers on a No Win, No Fee basis.
4. How long do I have to make a claim? You normally have 3 years to start your claim from the date of the accident/injury, or from date you became aware of your injury.
How to Maximise Your Claim
- Get prompt medical treatment
- Keep all receipts and wage slips
- Document your injuries and recovery with photos
- Use a solicitor experienced in workplace claims
Contact Us Today
A thermal injury caused by employer negligence may have severe consequences. By claiming compensation, you can recover financial losses and get support for rehabilitation. While your employer has a duty to keep you safe, you need to act quickly to get the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us now on 0333 358 2345 📧 Or contact us online and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you for a free, no-obligation consultation.