Severe Burn Injury Claims

Suffering a serious burn isn’t just physically painful—it can be life-changing. From the first moment, you’re faced with shock, trauma, and uncertainty about what comes next. The recovery can be long and demanding, often involving hospital stays, skin grafts, scarring, and emotional distress. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to support you with the care, clarity, and commitment you deserve.

For over 20 years, we’ve been helping individuals and families in Tallaght and across Dublin who’ve suffered burn injuries due to accidents at work, unsafe premises, road collisions, or medical negligence. We know these cases require more than legal expertise—they need compassion, attention to detail, and a solicitor who will take the time to really listen.

You won’t be passed from one department to another. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with a solicitor who will walk you through your options, explain everything in plain terms, and handle your case with the respect and urgency it deserves.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe burn due to someone else’s actions or negligence, contact O’Leary Solicitors LLP today.

Living with Severe Burns

A severe burn injury doesn’t end with the accident—it marks the beginning of a long and difficult journey. From hospital stays and painful dressings to the emotional impact of scarring and trauma, the effects are lasting and life-altering. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve worked with people across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve experienced the full weight of these injuries, and we understand that the road to recovery is about far more than just physical healing.

The pain of a burn injury is often intense and persistent. Depending on the depth and location of the burn, you may face:

  • Emergency surgery
  • Skin grafting
  • Risk of infection
  • Nerve damage or loss of function
  • Repeated dressing changes and wound care

These treatments are physically and emotionally draining. Many people spend weeks or months in hospital, followed by home care or outpatient visits that can stretch on for years. Recovery is rarely linear—complications like infections, graft failures, or delayed healing are common.

But it’s the emotional toll that can be just as debilitating. Burn injuries often leave lasting scars, both visible and hidden. Survivors may experience:

  • Anxiety in public
  • Self-consciousness due to facial or hand scarring
  • Depression and post-traumatic stress
  • Withdrawal from work, relationships, and social life

For some, even looking in the mirror becomes a daily battle. For others, returning to normal tasks like cooking, walking in the sun, or wearing certain clothes is no longer possible without pain or distress. These challenges can lead to strained family relationships, isolation, and loss of confidence.

Burn injuries to the face, neck, or hands are particularly distressing due to their visibility and impact on identity and movement. We’ve supported clients who have felt like they’ve “lost themselves” after an injury—whether through scarring, limited mobility, or emotional trauma.

Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable. Scarring can affect their development, confidence, and peer relationships. Many require multiple surgeries as they grow, along with ongoing psychological support to manage bullying, isolation, or anxiety.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we don’t see clients as cases—we see people going through something deeply personal and painful. That’s why we build each claim around the full picture: your pain, your healing, your future.

Degrees of Burns and What They Mean for Your Claim

Not all burn injuries are the same—and the type and severity of your burn will influence both your treatment plan and the legal considerations in your claim. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we explain these differences clearly so you understand how your specific injury will shape your case.

Burns are typically classified by how deeply they affect the skin and underlying tissue. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:

First-degree Burns (Superficial)

These are the mildest type of burn, affecting only the outermost layer of skin. They can be painful and red, like sunburn, but usually heal without long-term damage.

In legal terms: First-degree burns typically do not form the basis of a compensation claim unless they result in lasting scarring, pigment changes, or occurred due to particularly reckless or negligent behaviour.

Second-degree Burns (Partial Thickness)

These burns go deeper, damaging both the top layer of skin and the layer beneath. They often result in:

  • Blistering
  • Swelling and extreme redness
  • Scarring
  • Increased infection risk

They can be extremely painful and require hospitalisation, especially if they affect sensitive areas such as the face, hands, groin, or over joints.

In legal terms: Second-degree burns may justify significant compensation—especially where long-term care, pain management, or psychological support is needed. The presence of scarring, infection, or loss of function is particularly important.

Third-degree Burns (Full Thickness)

These are the most serious. They destroy all layers of the skin and may damage muscle, nerve endings, or even bone. The skin may appear black, white, or leathery. Ironically, these burns may not hurt immediately if nerves are destroyed.

Common outcomes include:

  • Permanent scarring
  • Nerve damage
  • Functional loss
  • Amputation or reconstructive surgery
  • Psychological trauma

In legal terms: These injuries often require a long-term, high-value claim to account for surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and permanent lifestyle changes.

Knowing how your injury is medically categorised helps us build a stronger legal case. But just as importantly, we focus on how it’s affected you—your health, your work, and your everyday life.

How Severe Burns Happen: Common Legal Scenarios in Ireland

Severe burns can happen in a split second—and when they do, the consequences are often devastating. Many burn injuries in Ireland are caused by situations that could have been prevented, whether in the workplace, on the road, in a public setting, or under medical care. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve supported clients in Tallaght and across Dublin who’ve suffered burns through no fault of their own. Below are some of the most common scenarios where a legal claim may arise.

Workplace Accidents

Burns in the workplace are among the most serious and avoidable injuries we see. They often occur in:

  • Factories or industrial plants handling chemicals
  • Construction sites involving hot tools, open flames, or welding equipment
  • Kitchens in restaurants, takeaways, or catering operations
  • Vehicle maintenance or garages dealing with flammable substances

Many of these injuries happen because of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), poor training, or failure to enforce health and safety protocols. For example, scalds from boiling liquids, contact burns from hot surfaces, or chemical burns from improper handling of cleaning agents are all common.

Employers in Ireland are legally required to carry out risk assessments, provide proper training, and ensure safe working conditions. When they fail to do this, they may be held responsible.

Public and Commercial Settings

Severe burns can also occur in shops, cafés, hotels, or public buildings due to:

  • Spilled hot drinks
  • Faulty equipment (e.g. kettles, heaters, or steamers)
  • Cleaning chemicals left within public reach
  • Inadequate warning signs near hot surfaces or recently cleaned floors

If you’re a customer, visitor, or passer-by and are burned in one of these settings, the business owner or property manager may be legally liable.

Road Traffic Accidents

While most people associate crashes with broken bones or whiplash, burns are a significant risk in high-impact collisions. These can result from:

  • Fires caused by leaking fuel
  • Explosions from batteries or pressurised systems
  • Exposure to hot metal or steam during a crash

Victims often suffer deep thermal burns, which may require emergency surgery and leave lasting scarring. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the full range of injuries, including burns.

Medical Negligence

Burns caused during medical treatment are rare—but when they happen, the consequences can be severe. Common examples include:

  • Burns from surgical instruments left heated
  • Radiation burns during oncology treatments
  • Chemical burns from improperly applied antiseptics or dressings
  • Delayed treatment of an existing burn that leads to avoidable complications

In these cases, your claim would focus on the failure of a medical professional to meet the expected standard of care.

Burn Injuries Involving Children

Children are especially vulnerable. Claims may arise from:

  • Hot drinks or food spilled in schools or crèches
  • Contact with exposed heating elements or unguarded cookers
  • Burns during school activities without proper supervision
  • Chemical burns from cleaning products stored unsafely

These cases require careful handling due to the long-term implications for growth, healing, and self-confidence. Parents or guardians can bring claims on behalf of minors, with extended legal timeframes.

If your burn injury occurred in any of these settings, and someone else was responsible, you may be entitled to bring a claim. We’ll guide you through it, step by step.

What a Burn Injury Claim Can Cover

Recovering from a severe burn isn’t just about healing—it’s about regaining comfort, mobility, dignity, and the means to rebuild your life. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand the lasting effects that burn injuries have, and we work hard to ensure that every claim reflects the full scope of what you’ve lost—and what you need.

A successful burn injury claim doesn’t just consider your medical bills. It recognises the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injury, both now and into the future.

Medical and Surgical Expenses

Burn care is often ongoing and complex. Your claim can cover:

  • Emergency treatment, skin grafts, and wound management
  • Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scar revision
  • Private dermatology consultations or second opinions
  • Specialist pain management or infection treatment

If your recovery includes multiple procedures, we account for projected costs—not just what’s already been spent.

Psychological Support and Therapy

The trauma of a burn injury can be just as difficult as the physical pain. It’s not uncommon for survivors to experience:

  • Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress
  • Fear of public places or mirrors
  • Difficulty adjusting to life with visible scarring

Your claim can include the cost of private counselling, trauma therapy, or group support, especially where public services are limited or delayed.

Assistive Aids and Cosmetic Solutions

In cases where burns affect function or appearance, specialised support may be needed. This can include:

  • Compression garments or medical-grade clothing
  • Prosthetics for fingers or limbs affected by severe burns
  • Cosmetic camouflage products or services
  • Home equipment for wound care or hygiene support

These tools can help with both recovery and confidence—particularly for visible burns.

Loss of Earnings and Career Disruption

A serious burn injury can take you out of work for months—or even end your ability to return to the same role. Claims can cover:

  • Lost income during recovery
  • Future loss of earnings if you can’t return to your job
  • Missed promotions or opportunities
  • Costs of retraining or switching careers
  • Workplace modifications or support needs

If your injury has affected your independence or ability to support your family, that matters—and it’s something we’ll include in your claim.

Additional Daily Living Costs

Your lifestyle may need to change to manage your recovery or long-term sensitivity. Claims may also cover:

  • Medical supplies and dressing kits
  • Special bedding or clothing for delicate skin
  • Travel to appointments or therapy
  • Temporary carers or home help during healing

Burns often require more than just healing—they require adjustment. We’ll ensure your claim recognises that in full.

Proving a Burn Injury Claim

For a severe burn claim to succeed, you’ll need to show more than just the injury—you’ll need to demonstrate how and why it happened, who was responsible, and how it has affected your life. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ll guide you through each step and help gather the documentation needed to build a strong, detailed case.

Medical Documentation

The foundation of any burn claim is clear, professional medical evidence. This typically includes:

  • Hospital records from A&E or burn units
  • GP referrals, follow-up notes, and outpatient appointments
  • Reports from dermatologists, surgeons, or plastic specialists
  • Photographic evidence of the burns and their healing stages
  • Psychological or psychiatric assessments (where relevant)

These records help establish the severity of your injury, the treatment you’ve received, and the likely future needs arising from it.

Accident Evidence

We also help gather evidence showing how the burn occurred and who was responsible. This might include:

  • Workplace incident reports
  • Health and Safety Authority (HSA) investigations or findings
  • Witness statements from colleagues, family, or bystanders
  • CCTV footage, photographs, or hazard reports
  • Maintenance logs or safety documents (especially in public settings)

This evidence is used to show that your injury was caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or lack of proper precautions.

Financial and Lifestyle Records

To support claims for compensation, we also document:

  • Payslips or employment contracts showing lost income
  • Receipts for medical expenses, therapy, or care
  • Travel costs and household adaptations
  • Testimony about the injury’s impact on your life and relationships

Every claim is different, but the more detailed your evidence, the more accurately we can reflect the real cost of your injury.

The Legal Time Limits for Burn Injury Claims

In Ireland, there is a general two-year time limit to bring a personal injury claim, including burn injuries. This time frame usually begins from the date of the accident, or, in some cases, from the “date of knowledge”—the point when you first realised that your injury was caused by negligence.

Burn injuries often have immediate consequences, so the two-year clock usually starts on the day the incident occurred. However, if complications arise later or the full severity of the injury wasn’t obvious at first, the time limit may start from when a medical professional confirmed the connection.

Special Rules for Children and Adults Without Capacity:

  • For children, the two-year period begins on their 18th birthday. A parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf at any time before then.
  • For individuals lacking mental capacity, no time limit applies until (or unless) they regain capacity.

Delaying a claim can make it harder to gather strong evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, or photographs. If you’re unsure when the clock started—or whether it’s still ticking—we’ll explain your position clearly, without pressure.

Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP

If you’ve suffered a severe burn injury and believe it could have been prevented, it’s important to understand your rights. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been supporting individuals and families across Tallaght and Dublin for over 20 years with clear, compassionate legal advice.

You’ll speak directly with a solicitor who will take the time to understand your story, explain your options in plain Irish English, and guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to begin your claim. We’re here to help you recover practically, personally, and fully.