Burns & Scarring Injury Claims2024-09-27T15:29:54+01:00

Scarring and Burn Injury Claims Solicitors

Scarring and Burn Injury Claims Solicitors

Have you been severely scarred due to a burn or laceration that wasn’t your fault? We’re here to help you claim the permanent scar compensation that’s rightfully yours.

  • Legal experts pursuing scar and burn injury claims since 1993
  • Strong record of securing permanent scar compensation in Northern Ireland
  • Sympathetic understanding of the impact of scarring
  • Simple claims process with the support of our experienced solicitors
  • Free initial legal advice on your claim

Scar & Burn Injury Claims, Northern Ireland

We understand that significant scarring can take a huge physical and mental toll. Deep scarring to your limbs, torso and especially your face or head can be deeply traumatic and leave you feeling self-conscious.

If you’ve suffered a burn, scald, laceration or scar due to someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation for the impact it has had on your life. We’ll help you to secure a payout that reflects the real and lasting damage of a serious scar.

Various types of accidents result in successful scar and burn injury claims in Northern Ireland. Some of the most common causes include:

Road Traffic Accidents – Burns or lacerations caused in a road traffic accident that was someone else’s fault. This could be due to broken glass or sharp metal, contact with the road surface or a fire.

Accidents at Work – Scarring caused by burns from chemicals, hot liquids and electric shocks is common in manufacturing and heavy industry. Lacerations can be caused by faulty or unsafe machinery.

Medical Negligence – Surgical errors and unsafe medical practices can lead to scarring during birth, surgery or when a procedure is performed with the wrong equipment or technique.

Accidents in Public Places – Accidents involving hot liquids, dangerous electrical wiring and sharp objects can result in burns and scar injuries at restaurants, shops and other public places.

Criminal Assaults – Attacks involving bladed weapons, corrosive substances or blunt force trauma can create permanent scars from the assault or a resulting fall.

Faulty Products – Dangerous electrical devices, contaminated cosmetics products and faulty products with sharp moving parts can all cause serious scars or burns.

Types of Laceration, Burns and Scar Injuries

Lacerations are deep cuts to the skin or flesh. They usually involve penetration or puncture wounds caused by knives, nails or other foreign objects. A sharp object breaks the skin but also damages the muscles, tendons, other tissue or bone below.

A laceration or multiple lacerations causes a great deal of pain as well as nerve damage and scarring. The amount of suffering you’ve endured — the pain and long-term physical and mental impact — will be taken into account when you make a claim.

Burn injuries are usually caused by fire, heat, hot water, electricity or chemicals. The length of time for which the skin was exposed to the cause of the burn, the strength of the heat or chemical and how quickly you received treatment all impact the seriousness of the burn. More serious burns typically result in more serious scarring.

Burn injuries can be:

  • First Degree Burns – Minor burns that damage the outer layer of the skin and rarely leave a scar.
  • Second Degree Burns – Damage to the outer layer of the skin and the dermis below. These deeper burns usually result in blistering and then a scar.
  • Third Degree Burns – Serious burns that penetrate the full depth of the skin and cause nerve damage. They can only be repaired with skin grafting.
  • Fourth Degree Burns – All the complications of third degree burns, but also burn into the fat layers below the skin.
  • Fifth Degree Burns – All the complications of fourth degree burns, but also burn into muscles.
  • Sixth Degree Burns – All the complications of fifth degree burns, but also causes damage to bones.
Scarring injuries are usually the result of the lacerations and burns mentioned above. Different types of scars include:

  • Fine Line Scars – Scars from minor wounds that fade and flatten over time
  • Keloid Scars – Caused by overgrowth of scar tissue after the wound has healed as the body repairs the damage from the wound.
  • Hypertrophic Scars – Similar to keloid scars but the overgrowth of tissue stays within the boundary of the original wound.
  • Pitted Scars – Scars that take the form of dips in the skin. They can be caused when fat beneath the skin has been damaged, as well as by chickenpox and acne.
  • Contracture Scars – Caused by burn injuries when the skin shrinks and becomes tight.

Scar & Burn Injury Claim Eligibility

If you’ve suffered any scar or burn injury due to somebody else’s actions, you’re entitled to compensation.

Claiming for Yourself – You can claim scar and burn injury compensation if your scarring was the result of someone’s negligence.

Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else – You can claim compensation for a loved one who is a child aged under 18 or who doesn’t have the mental capacity to make their own claim.

Scar & Burn Injury Claim Process

We know that permanent scarring can be difficult and traumatic to come to terms with. That’s why we’ve made our claim process hassle-free. We’re here to handle every part of your scar or burn injury claim and help you to secure a compensation payout.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
To start the claim process, get in touch for a completely free and no-obligation consultation with one of our specialist burns and scar injury solicitors.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We’ll then start building evidence to support your scar compensation claim. This might include medical records, evidence from the scene of your accident and any other information that supports your claim.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
Next, we’ll arrange for your injuries to be assessed by an independent medical professional. This helps to build a full picture of your circumstances and any potential complications in the future.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
We’ll use all of that information to secure the maximum compensation payout to which you’re entitled.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once a payout figure has been agreed, we’ll continue to represent your interest to ensure the money reaches you promptly.

Scar & Burn Injury Claim Time Limits

You usually have three years from the date of your accident in which to make a burn, scar or laceration injury claim in Northern Ireland. Some exceptions to the usual time limit are:

  • If you were under 18 at the time of your injury you can claim up to your 21st birthday.
  • There are no time limits if you or the person you’re claiming for doesn’t have the mental capacity to make a claim.
  • When the negligence that resulted in your injury only becomes known afterwards you have three years from the date you became aware.

Scar & Burn Injury Compensation – How Much Is My Claim Worth?

If you’ve suffered burns, lacerations or scarring it’s important to claim the compensation that you’re entitled to. Your compensation can help to pay for any treatment you need, as well as limiting the impact your scars have on your life.

Any permanent scarring compensation you receive will comprise both general damages and special damages.

General Damages Compensation

General damages are compensation for the direct impact of your scars, burns or lacerations. It compensates you for the pain and suffering you’ve endured, as well as any impact on your quality of life.

Below you will see guideline payout amounts for scarring & penetration injuries in Northern Ireland. These are approximate figures only and will depend on the severity of your injury:

  • Very Severe Facial Scarring: £125,000 – £350,000
  • Less Severe Facial Scarring: £50,000 – £125,000
  • Significant Facial Scarring: £45,000 – £110,000
  • Some Facial Scarring (not of great significance): up to £45,000
  • Trivial Facial Scarring: up to £9,000
  • Feet Grievous Burns: £60,000 – £125,000
  • Bowel Penetration Causing Permanent Damage: £14,000 – £42,000
  • Simple Penetrating Wound to Chest: £15,000 – £25,000
  • Stomach Penetration or Seat Belt Injury: £10,000 – £30,000

Special Damages Compensation

Special damages compensate you for the knock-on effects and financial impacts of your scar, burn or laceration injury. This could include:

  • Loss of Employment & Earnings – Compensation if your burns or scars prevent you from working or stopped you doing the job you did before your injury.
  • Medical Costs – Compensation for any treatment or rehabilitation you need to help your recovery or alleviate discomfort.
  • Adaptations To Your Life – Money to cover the cost of any changes you need to make to your home or other parts of your life.
  • Care Provisions – Covering the cost of any additional care you need because of your scar or burns.

Why Choose Reid Black?

We’re experienced in helping people who want to make laceration, scar and burn injury claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland to get the compensation they deserve. We know the profound impact burns and scarring can have and we want to help you secure a payout that puts you in the best position to overcome those challenges and get on with your life.

Our experience of burns and scar injury claims includes:

  • Securing a five-figure settlement for a child who suffered a laceration and scarring to her face due to the forcible use of forceps at birth.
  • Representing a child who suffered burn injuries and scarring to their ankle from LED probes in a neonatal unit.

Our Specialist Scarring and Burn Injury Claim Solicitors

Our Specialist Scarring and Burn Injury Claim Solicitors

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Peter Lynch of Reid Black Solicitors is one of Northern Ireland’s Leading Road Traffic Accident Experts.
  • He will act for you solely and does not accept referrals from insurers or Accident Management companies thus ensuring we have your interests first.
  • Have an initial no-cost chat about any Road Traffic Accident to see if you have a case.
  • He acts in Car Accidents, Cycling & Motorbike Accidents and Pedestrian Accident Claims.
  • Peter will be able to Fast track your claim to get you the compensation you deserve.
Libby Smyth
Libby Smyth
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Libby Smyth is one Northern Ireland’s leading Road Traffic Accident and Personal Injury Solicitors.
  • She will handle your Road Traffic Accident Claim effectively and efficiently, keeping your best interests as her prime concern.
  • Specialist in all types of personal injury claims, with a focus on Road Traffic Injury Claims.
  • Libby can expedite your injury claim to ensure you get your compensation as fast as possible.
  • If you’ve been injured as a result of a Road Traffic Accident, contact Libby today for free initial chat to see if you’re eligible for a claim.
Eilis McQuillan
Eilis McQuillan
14 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Elis McQuillan has extensive experience dealing with Road Traffic Accident Claims in Northern Ireland.
  • She will prioritise your interest’s first and act solely on your behalf.
  • Specialist in all types of Road Traffic Accident Claims and Litigation, including Car Accidents, Cycling Accidents and Motorbike Accidents.
  • Ellis can Fast Track your Road Traffic Accident Claim, so you get your compensation as soon as possible.
  • Contact Ellis today for a free initial consultation to determine if you’re entitled to a Road Traffic Accident Claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may be able to claim on the basis of your medical records. Any additional evidence — such as photos or footage from the scene, witness statements, accident report forms and receipts for expenses you’ve incurred — will help your claim. We’ll be able to advise you on the strength of your claim based on the evidence you have available and help you to gather more information.
We’re usually able to settle scar and burn injury claims without going to court. But it’s a useful option to keep on the table if the at-fault party doesn’t admit they caused your scars or burns.
Straightforward scar and burn injury claims can be settled in as little as six months. The most severe scar compensation claims and those in which liability is disputed can take a lot longer. If your claim is likely to take a while, we will seek an interim payment so you don’t suffer financially while the claim is being settled.

No Win No Fee is not allowed in Northern Ireland. What we offer instead is a free initial consultation to discuss your claim and a range of ethical alternatives, such as insisting that the at-fault party covers your legal costs.

Yes, if somebody else was at fault for the accident you can still claim even if you were partly responsible. Your compensation payout will probably be reduced to reflect the extent to which the accident was your responsibility.

Trust us with your scar or burn injury claim

Take the first step towards the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering that’s been inflicted on you through no fault of your own. Get in touch for free initial legal advice from our experienced solicitors with no obligation to proceed.

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      Client Testimonials

      Client Testimonials

      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
      CJ MCKIMM
      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
      Jennifer McCann
      Jennifer McCann
      14:25 10 Oct 23
      They are a fantastic company to represent you
      Russdamuss
      Russdamuss
      07:02 26 Nov 23
      Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more
      tomsturdy1
      tomsturdy1
      09:51 28 Nov 23
      I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more
      Wayne Perry
      Wayne Perry
      19:16 08 Dec 23
      What a fantastic group of people to work with from start to finish. I thoroughly endorse this firm of solicitors to any former service personnel who have suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of live firing in pipe ranges in Northern Ireland. These guys acted on my behalf following a simple hearing assessment and secured a sizeable settlement from the MoD for me. They did not take ANY of my compensation in payment, but claim a separate payment directly from the MoD for their work. David even declined an initial derisory offer from the MoD and secured a much better one which was 500% (yes 500%) above the original offer. If you or you know anyone who suffers the same problems, I would urge you to get in touch with David French or one of his colleagues at Reid Black solicitors. The only downside is the amount of time you have to wait for the MoD to play ball. On the plus side you’ll probably forget you’ve claimed at all and so it’s a great surprise when you finally get a result!read more
      Bob Parry
      Bob Parry
      05:00 12 Jan 24
      I am absolutely delighted at the result David French and the whole team at Reid Black managed to negotiate for my hearing loss claim. It was a long process, but none of that due to RB, rather the bureaucracy and feet dragging of the MoD. There was one small period of frustration on my part when I had not heard from them in a while, but it transpired that their communications with me via e-mail had gone into my spam box, that I don't regularly check, so this frustration was my fault completely. David received an initial settlement offer, but refused it and negotiated a 33% increase in the offer on my behalf. I thoroughly recommend this Business to any former service personnel that served in NI after 1987, that have suffered hearing injuries. Thank you Reid Black.read more
      thomas Gray
      thomas Gray
      18:04 21 Feb 24
      I cannot speak highly enough of Reid Black Solicitors. From start to finish, my experience with their team has been exceptional. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the solicitors at Reid Black is truly commendable. They were not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to my legal needs. The level of attention and care they demonstrated throughout the process reassured me that I was in capable hands. The communication from the firm was outstanding. I was kept informed at every step, and my questions were answered promptly. This level of transparency made the legal process much more manageable and less stressful. What sets Reid Black Solicitors apart is their commitment to client satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and understood. The genuine concern for their clients is evident in every interaction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Reid Black Solicitors to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a standout choice. Thank you to the entire team for making a potentially challenging experience smooth and successful.read more
      Claire Watt
      Claire Watt
      19:39 26 Feb 24
      Kathryn was superb throughout the process and helped me through what was a difficult period. Kathryn was always very quick to respond to my emails and on hand to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend the services of Kathryn and Reid Black Solicitors.read more
      Kerry Whann
      Kerry Whann
      16:28 04 Mar 24
      A Separation of a marriage is a really devasting and stressful time. My daughter used the services of Kathryn Aiken. Kathryn is such a lovely lady, with a real kindness and total understanding of the situation. She gave my daughter excellent legal advice and guided us safely through the whole process. Yes it did take time to finally come to an agreement on matters, but all throughout Kathryn was available to answer emails promptly or take a phone call. Nothing was ever a bother. That means a lot to have that total backing and support. We felt totally at ease meeting Kathryn at her office to sign documents and as upsetting as it sometimes was we were shown total empathy and comforted on occasions were needed. The quotation Kathryn gave me at the start of the process was near enough spot on at the end. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn to anyone in need of help. you are 100% in the best professional hands. I will be using Kathryn again in the future. Thank you for everything. Kerry and Naomi.read more
      Alan Munce
      Alan Munce
      18:18 14 Mar 24
      Ref - Military hearing loss claim. I am speechless - having left the Army 32 years ago I never expected to qualify for any sort of payout. Getting in touch with Reid Black Solicitors was more a case of - 'try it and see, nothing ventured, nothing gained.' Absolutely dumbfounded by the amount you have recovered for me. I never expected any payout to be in the 5 figure bracket. We have a modest income and lead a modest lifestyle, but now, all our current financial challenges are over. A 'Thank you' seems totally inadequate, but we are truly grateful for your efforts and the result. Thank you. Kind Regards Alan Munceread more
      carly field
      carly field
      09:43 17 Jun 24
      Exceptional work from this company. I have had a few issues with my hearing due to my time in the military. Didn’t expect to get as much I did. Thank you for your dedication to us all.
      Allan Rigby
      Allan Rigby
      10:30 14 Aug 24
      I reached out to Reid Black Solicitors in order to gain compensation for my hearing loss while serving in the Armed Forces. From the beginning I knew I was in the right hands. It proved to be true after a few years of legal wrangling with the MOD I received my compensation. A big thank you to David and the team, fully recommended.read more
      Helen Fox
      Helen Fox
      15:52 01 Sep 24
      Thanks very much to David French for all his help with my hearing claim from September 2021, it did take a long while and to be honest I didn’t expect to receive anything at all. I was really shocked when he called me on Friday 30th August 2024 and I’m really pleased with my settlement. 10/10 Reid and Black. It was definitely worth the wait. Thanks again Martynread more
      Mark Hope
      Mark Hope
      21:11 16 Sep 24
      A great service from David French @ Reid Black. Resolved my hearing loss claim with the MOD without any fuss and very professional and helpful. Thank you and would definetly recommend Reid Black solicitors.read more
      Paul Treanor
      Paul Treanor
      11:06 03 Oct 24
      I highly recommend this company. They helped me with a claim which resulted in a very satisfactory result. They possess an abundance of integrity which is rare in the legal world.
      Mike D
      Mike D
      08:28 04 Oct 24
      The way Reid Black Solicitors handled this hearing claim has been efficient and professional from start to finish. Throughout the process I have been guided and advised extremely well and am completely satisfied with the result that you have gained on my behalf. I can strongly recommend Reid Black Solicitors and will be sure to speak to my colleagues who are also veterans of HM Forces.read more
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