Columbia Burn Injury Attorney

• 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.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Burn Injuries

Severe burns stem from various hazardous scenarios in commercial, residential, and industrial environments throughout Columbia and Richland County. Our firm represents clients who have suffered severe burns resulting from:

• Motor Vehicle & Trucking Explosions: High-impact collisions along major corridors like I-20, I-26, and I-77 that cause fuel tank ruptures, vehicle fires, or hazardous chemical spills.
• Industrial & Construction Site Accidents: Exposure to high-voltage electrical lines, chemical spills, boiler explosions, or thermal blasts at manufacturing facilities and job sites.
• Defective Consumer & Industrial Products: Product liability claims involving faulty home appliances, defective lithium-ion batteries, ungrounded power tools, or improperly designed machinery.
• Premises Liability & Building Fires: Structural fires, scalding water incidents, or gas leaks caused by landlord negligence, improper electrical wiring, missing smoke detectors, or building code violations.
• Workplace Electrical & Chemical Hazards: Severe electrical flash burns or corrosive chemical exposure suffered on the job, which may involve both Workers' Compensation claims and third-party personal injury lawsuits.

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.

Is it important to involve an attorney early in the process?

Yes — burn cases can be complex and insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than full value. A lawyer can help gather evidence, value the claim properly, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf.

Why Choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega for a Burn Injury Case

Burn injury cases require more than a standard personal injury approach — they demand attorneys who understand reconstructive surgery timelines, scarring valuation, and the psychological toll of disfigurement. 

Our founding partners, William L. Smith II, Jacob D. Born, Peter P. Leventis IV, George A. Taylor, and C. Daniel Vega, along with attorneys James Sproat, James George Jr., R. Lawton Harper, Virginia Kendall, Michael Swindell Sr., and Mark T. Arden, bring decades of combined experience representing South Carolina clients through catastrophic and life-altering injury claims. 

Several of our attorneys are recognized among Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates and remain active in organizations such as the South Carolina Association for Justice, reflecting a depth of experience that matters when future medical needs — not just current bills — determine the true value of a claim.

Our Track Record With Serious Injury Claims

Burn cases often involve years of follow-up treatment, so recovering fair compensation requires looking well beyond the initial hospital bill. 

Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega has built a reputation for pursuing full and fair value in serious injury matters, including a $4,000,000 wrongful death trucking accident settlement, a $2,800,000 workers' compensation recovery, and a $2,550,000 premises liability verdict in federal court. These results reflect a firm willing to bring in the right experts, document long-term damages thoroughly, and take a case to trial rather than accept an early settlement that undervalues a client's future.

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