Aiken Burn Injury Attorney

Fighting for Burn Victims in Aiken, SC

Severe burn injuries can be devastating—both physically and emotionally. They often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for their suffering.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our experienced burn injury lawyers are dedicated to helping burn victims throughout Aiken, SC, and surrounding areas recover the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether your burns resulted from a workplace explosion, vehicle fire, or unsafe property condition, our team is ready to fight for you.

Call us at (803) 599-2207 to schedule your free consultation. 

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when the skin and underlying tissue are damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. The severity of a burn is typically classified into degrees:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and cause redness and mild pain, similar to a sunburn.
• Second-degree burns: Damage both the outer and underlying layers of skin, resulting in blistering, swelling, and intense pain.
• Third-degree burns: Destroy all layers of the skin and can damage nerves, muscles, and bones, often resulting in permanent scarring or loss of sensation.
• Fourth-degree burns: The most severe, these burns penetrate deep into the muscles, tendons, and bones and are often life-threatening.

Even less severe burns can lead to complications like infection, scarring, and nerve damage. Severe burns frequently require surgical grafts, reconstructive procedures, and long-term care.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burns can occur in a variety of settings—from industrial job sites to your own kitchen. Common causes of burn injuries include:

• Thermal Burns: These are caused by contact with flames, hot surfaces, boiling liquids, or steam. House fires, vehicle explosions, and industrial accidents are frequent sources of thermal burns.
• Chemical Burns: Exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or cleaning agents can cause chemical burns. These often occur in workplaces that handle hazardous materials or in situations where dangerous substances are improperly labeled or stored.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical currents passing through the body can cause both external burns and internal damage to muscles and organs. Construction workers and electricians are at particular risk for this type of injury.
• Radiation Burns: Prolonged exposure to radiation—such as from X-rays, radiation therapy, or industrial sources—can damage the skin and tissues. Even excessive sun exposure can lead to serious radiation burns over time.
• Friction Burns: These occur when skin rubs against a hard surface, generating heat and scraping away layers of tissue. Road rash from motorcycle accidents is a common example.

The Aftermath of a Burn Injury

Recovering from a burn injury can be one of the most painful and challenging experiences a person can endure. Victims often face:

• Extensive Medical Treatment: Severe burns may require emergency care, hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and ongoing wound management.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Physical therapy helps restore movement and function, while occupational therapy assists with adapting to long-term limitations.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological toll can be immense. Many burn victims experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Financial Hardship: Medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of long-term care can quickly overwhelm families.

Our Aiken burn injury attorneys understand these challenges and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical costs, future treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Proving Liability in a Burn Injury Case

To recover compensation, your attorney must establish that another party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:

• Employers or Contractors: For workplace burns caused by unsafe working conditions or lack of safety equipment.
• Property Owners: For burns resulting from building fires, faulty wiring, or failure to maintain smoke alarms and fire exits.
• Manufacturers: For defective products that catch fire, explode, or overheat.
• Motorists: For car, truck, or motorcycle crashes that result in fire-related injuries.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we gather crucial evidence such as accident reports, expert testimony, and medical records to build a strong case for your claim.

Compensation for Burn Injury Victims

Every case is unique, but burn injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Long-term care and home modifications

Our team works with medical professionals and economic experts to calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum recovery available.

Burn Injury Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain cases—like those involving government entities—may have shorter deadlines, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What should I do after suffering a burn injury?

Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident (if applicable, to your employer or local authorities), and preserve any evidence, such as photos, witness information, and medical records. Then, contact an experienced burn injury lawyer.

Can I file a claim if my burn happened at work?

Yes. Workplace burns are often covered under workers’ compensation, but in some cases, a third-party claim may also be possible if another party’s negligence contributed to your injuries.

What if my burns resulted from a defective product?

You may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer for selling an unsafe product.

Speak with Our Aiken Burn Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one suffered severe burns because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice and financial relief. Our Aiken burn injury attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC are ready to stand by your side, handle every detail of your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to take the first step towards justice and healing.