Columbia Burn Injury Attorney

Compassionate Legal Representation for Burn Victims in Columbia, SC

Burn injuries can be among the most painful and traumatic experiences a person can endure. Whether caused by fire, chemicals, electricity, or scalding liquids, these injuries often result in serious physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our experienced Columbia burn injury lawyers are dedicated to helping burn victims seek justice and secure the resources they need for recovery.

Call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our skilled Columbia burn injury attorneys.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury refers to tissue damage caused by heat, radiation, chemicals, or electricity. These catastrophic injuries are categorized into different degrees based on severity:

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain.
• Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, affecting both the epidermis and dermis, often resulting in blistering and swelling.
• Third-degree burns destroy both skin layers and possibly underlying tissues, leading to permanent damage, numbness, or charring.
• Fourth-degree burns go beyond the skin into muscle and bone, often leading to life-threatening complications.

Regardless of the severity, burn injuries can lead to significant medical treatment, prolonged recovery periods, and emotional trauma. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we help victims understand their legal rights and fight for full compensation.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burns can occur in a wide range of situations, often stemming from preventable accidents. The most common types include:

• Thermal Burns: These occur due to contact with flames, hot surfaces, steam, or scalding liquids. Thermal burns are common in house fires, kitchen accidents, and industrial incidents.
• Chemical Burns: Exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances can cause severe chemical burns. These injuries are frequent in workplace accidents, particularly in construction, cleaning, or laboratory settings.
• Electrical Burns: Contact with live wires or electrical equipment can cause electrical burns, often damaging internal organs and requiring extensive medical care.
• Radiation Burns: These burns result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (such as from tanning beds or the sun) or radiation therapy during cancer treatment.
• Friction Burns: A combination of abrasion and heat, friction burns typically occur in motorcycle or bicycle accidents, or in occupational settings with heavy machinery.

No matter how your injury occurred, our Columbia burn injury lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly to determine liability and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries don’t just cause immediate pain—they often lead to lasting physical and psychological consequences, including:

• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of mobility or function
• Chronic pain
• Infection and complications
• Amputation in severe cases
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression and anxiety

Victims frequently require extensive rehabilitation, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological support. These needs can be financially overwhelming, especially if the injury prevents return to work. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we work closely with medical experts, therapists, and economists to ensure your settlement reflects both current and future needs.

FAQs About Burn Injury Claims in Columbia, SC

What should I do after suffering a burn injury?

Seek immediate medical treatment, even for seemingly minor burns. Document the scene of the incident, gather witness information, and preserve any relevant evidence. Contact a qualified Columbia burn injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Who can be held liable for a burn injury?

Liability depends on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include landlords (for unsafe living conditions), employers (for unsafe work environments), product manufacturers (for defective appliances or chemicals), and negligent drivers (in car accidents involving fires or explosions).

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

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period could prevent you from recovering compensation.

What types of damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

How much is my burn injury case worth?

Every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of your financial losses, the impact on your quality of life, and the degree of negligence involved. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment to estimate your case’s full value.

Why Choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC?

As a trusted legal team in Columbia, SC, Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC offers:

• Proven Experience: Our attorneys have a strong track record handling complex personal injury cases, including severe burn injuries.
• Client-Focused Approach: We treat every case with compassion and respect, providing personalized legal support.
• Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable—whether it’s a landlord, product manufacturer, employer, or another individual.
• No Fees Unless You Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, don’t face the legal system alone. Let our team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and determination.

Contact us today at (803) 599-2207 to schedule your free consultation. Let us support you in turning a challenging time into a step towards recovery and justice.