Burn Injury Lawyers
If you or your loved one has suffered a burn injury at work, Shine's burn injury lawyers are here to help you access the compensation you deserve and right wrong.
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.
What is a burn injury?
A burn injury is physical damage caused by:
Heat (e.g. fire, steam, smoke, appliances, substances, food, oils, fats, drink, water)
Chemicals (e.g. acid, toxic fumes, corrosive substances)
Friction (e.g. moving mechanical parts)
Electricity (e.g. electric shock)
Radiation (e.g. exposure to radiological materials)
Burn severity isn’t always obvious. Any burn injury should be promptly assessed and treated by a doctor, no matter how it occurred.
Burn injury compensation
Eligibility and entitlement to burns and injuries compensation depends on the severity of your injury and your location. You may be able to claim for:
Medical and rehabilitation costs
Loss of income
Workers most at risk of burns and injuries?
Workplace risk of burns and injuries varies by industry. Higher risk burns and injuries sectors include:
Construction, including use of equipment and power tools
Electrical, including electricians and workers on power lines
Manufacturing, including use of heavy machinery running at high temperatures and speeds
Emergency services and first responders such as fire fighters
Culinary and hospitality, including food preparation and handling
Chemical, including handling, contact with or exposure to hazardous or toxic substances
Levels of burn injury
Burns are classified into three levels:
Superficial burns (first-degree burns)
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)
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)
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
Workplace burns and injuries
According to the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ), 94% of burn injuries are unintentional and mostly preventable. In 2023-3024, 17.5% of adult burn injuries happened at work.
If you suffer burns and injuries at work, immediate first aid is crucial to minimise the area and depth of the burn, reduce complications and lower mortality risk.
Do you have a claim?
We're here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Steps to take after a workplace burn injury
Seek immediate first aid
Seek immediate first aid
Gold standard burn injury treatment includes at least 20 minutes of cool running water within three hours of injury
Report the incident to your employer
Report the incident to your employer
Let your employer know about the workplace incident that led to your burn injury, and be aware of the legal time limit for your state or territory:
State or Territory | Time limit to notify employer |
|---|---|
Queensland | As soon as possible. |
New South Wales | As soon as possible. |
Australian Capital Territory | As soon as possible. |
Victoria | Within 30 days of becoming aware of your injury. |
Tasmania | As soon as practicable. |
South Australia | Within 24 hours or as soon as practicable. |
Northern Territory | As soon as practicable. |
Western Australia | Immediately after seeking first aid. |
Request a workers’ compensation medical certificate
Request a workers’ compensation medical certificate
Complete and submit a worker’s injury claim form
Complete and submit a worker’s injury claim form
If you can, see your regular GP for your burns and injuries and ask them for the workers’ compensation medical certificate relevant to your state or territory. It can then be attached to your claim form.
State or Territory | Medical Certificate | Claim Form |
|---|---|---|
Work Capacity Certificate | ||
SIRA Certificate of Capacity | ||
Australian Capital Territory | Certificate of Capacity | WorkSafe ACT claim form from your employer |
Victoria | WorkSafe First Certificate of Capacity | |
Tasmania | Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Capacity (medical) | |
South Australia | Work Capacity Certificate | |
Northern Territory | Medical certificate of capacity – First | |
Western Australia | WorkCover WA First Certificate of Capacity |
Contact Shine’s burn injury lawyers
Contact Shine’s burn injury lawyers
Expert legal advice from a trusted burn injury lawyer is essential to ensure your rights and entitlements are protected.
Check if you have a claim with our simple, free online tool.
What we will ask:
Details about the accident and injuries that have happened to you or your loved one
Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your claim
What happens next:
Either book a no obligation appointment with a compensation law expert right away or,
Speak with our team about your options
How a burn injury lawyer can help
A specialist burn injury lawyer can guide you through the complexities of a workers’ compensation claim, helping you to maximise your entitlements (including whether you’re eligible to make a total and permanent disability claim under your superannuation policy
Time limits for workplace burn injury claims
Each state and territory has specific legal time limits for submitting a workers’ compensation claim:
6 months from your entitlement to apply for compensation.
6 months from the date of your burns and injuries.
3 years of your injury.
6 months from the date of your burns and injuries.
6 months of the date of your burns and injuries.
6 months from your entitlement to apply for compensation.
6 months of your injury.
12 months of your injury.
Contact Shine’s burn injury lawyers near you
Get in touch with Shine's trusted burn injury lawyers. We’ve been standing up for the rights of everyday Australians for nearly 50 years and offer affordable and experienced legal advice on a No Win, No Fee* basis. During your obligation-free first meeting we’ll help you understand your entitlements to workplace burns and injuries compensation.
*Conditions apply
No Win, No Fee*
We do our best up-front to make sure you understand your legal claim, including whether your claim is on our No Win, No Fee* basis.
*Conditions apply
Burn injury lawyer FAQs
How much compensation for a burn at work?
How much compensation for a burn at work?
There is no set amount of compensation for workplace burns and injuries, as it depends on the severity of your burn and your specific circumstances. Your expert burn injury lawyer can advise you about your eligibility to claim compensation once they understand your situation.
Does a burn count as an injury?
Does a burn count as an injury?
Yes, burns are serious injuries that can cause immediate and long-term physical and mental health impacts.
Where are Shine’s No Win No Fee* burn injury attorneys located?
Where are Shine’s No Win No Fee* burn injury attorneys located?
Shine’s expert No Win No Fee* burn injury lawyers are available in over 40 locations across Australia, and can meet in person, online, by phone or wherever is most convenient for you. Get in touch.
*Conditions apply
