Burn Injury Lawyers

Workers most at risk

Although workplace burns and injuries account for less than 5% of serious workers’ compensation claims in Australia, yet those affected often experience life-altering and complex physical and mental impacts.

• Construction, including use of equipment and power tools

• Culinary and hospitality, including food preparation and handling

• Electrical, including electricians and workers on power lines

• Manufacturing, including use of heavy machinery running at high temperatures and speeds

• Chemical, including handling, contact with or exposure to hazardous or toxic substances

• Emergency services and first responders such as firefighters

Common scenarios for burns in a public place

• Faulty or unsafe products: Burns caused by defective electrical appliances, malfunctioning kitchen equipment, or unsafe consumer goods. If a product fails and causes injury, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or retailer.

• Cosmetic and beauty treatments: Burns from laser treatments, chemical peels, waxing, or other cosmetic procedures performed incorrectly or with unsafe products.

• Hospitality venues: Scalds or burns from hot food or beverages served in restaurants, cafés, or bars, especially if staff fail to warn customers or handle items safely.

• Public places: Burns from exposed hot surfaces, faulty heating systems, or accidental spills in shopping centres, gyms, hotels, or entertainment venues.

• Rental properties and accommodation: Injuries resulting from poorly maintained hot water systems, heating appliances, or unsafe facilities in hotels, Airbnbs, or rental homes.

• Events and recreational activities: Burns from fireworks, campfires, or equipment at public events, festivals, or amusement parks.

If your burn injury happened in any of these settings and was due to someone else’s negligence, such as a business, property owner, or product manufacturer, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim.

Levels of burn injury 

Burns are classified into three levels: 

Superficial burns (first-degree burns)

• Damage the top layer of skin

• Cause redness and pain at the burn site

Partial thickness burns (second-degree burns)

• Damage the first and second layers of skin

• Cause redness and pain, as well as swelling, blisters and peeling

Full-thickness burns (third-degree burns)

• Damage the first and second layers of skin

• Damage the underlying tissue (including muscles, tendons, nerves and bones)

• Cause extreme pain as well as long-lasting damage to skin, muscles, bone, connective tissue and nerves

Severe burns and injuries can result in:

• Permanent damage to skin, muscles and / or bones

• Scarring and disability

• Infection

• Organ failure

• Mental health injury due to trauma

• Death