Greenville Burn Injury Lawyer

Suffered a Burn Injury Caused by Negligence?

Burn injuries can be among the most catastrophic injuries a person can endure. They often require extensive medical care, cause lasting physical and emotional pain, and may leave permanent scars or disabilities. When a burn injury is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the victim deserves justice and full financial recovery.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Greenville burn injury attorneys represent individuals and families throughout South Carolina who have suffered serious burn injuries. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation victims need to rebuild their lives. Our team has decades of combined experience in protecting the rights and best interests of our clients.

Contact us at to schedule your free consultation.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged by extreme heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. Burns are categorized by “degrees” that reflect their severity:

• First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). They usually cause redness, minor inflammation, and pain, similar to a sunburn.
• Second-Degree Burns: Damage both the outer and underlying layers of skin. These burns can result in blisters, severe pain, and potential scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns: Destroy all layers of the skin and may affect muscles, bones, and nerves. These burns often require surgical treatment, such as skin grafts.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe type, extending deep into bone and muscle, often resulting in permanent disfigurement or loss of function.

No matter the degree of burn, victims often face painful recovery processes and significant emotional distress. Our Greenville burn injury lawyer from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help evaluate your situation and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can happen in many environments — at home, at work, in public, or while driving. Some of the most common types include:

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or heated objects. These are common in car accidents, industrial incidents, and residential fires.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, alkalis, or solvents. Workers in manufacturing, cleaning, or laboratory environments are at higher risk for these injuries.

Electrical Burns

These burns result from exposure to electrical currents or lightning. The current can travel through the body, damaging internal organs and tissues along the way. Electrical burns are especially common in construction and industrial settings.

Friction Burns

Friction burns combine heat and abrasion damage, often occurring in motorcycle or bicycle crashes where skin scrapes against pavement (“road rash”).

Radiation Burns

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, medical radiation therapy, or industrial radiation sources can lead to radiation burns that may take weeks or months to heal.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury caused by another’s negligence — such as a car crash, defective product, unsafe workplace, or building fire — Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is ready to stand up for your rights and pursue justice.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Greenville

Burn injuries can happen in a variety of situations, many of which are entirely preventable. When another party's negligence contributes to a serious burn accident, victims may have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.

Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:

• Residential and apartment fires caused by faulty wiring
• Vehicle accidents that result in fires or explosions
• Defective household appliances and electronics
• Industrial and construction site accidents
• Chemical spills and exposure incidents
• Restaurant and commercial kitchen accidents
• Gas leaks and explosions
• Unsafe electrical systems or exposed wiring

Our firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding your injury to identify the responsible parties and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Long-Term Effects of a Burn Injury

The aftermath of a burn injury can be life-altering. Beyond the immediate physical pain, victims often face months or years of recovery. Some of the most common long-term effects include:

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Deep burns can leave permanent scars or require multiple reconstructive surgeries.
• Chronic Pain: Nerve damage and scar tissue can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.
• Infections: Burn wounds are highly susceptible to infections, which can lead to severe complications.
• Emotional Trauma: Survivors frequently experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress due to the injury and its impact on their appearance or lifestyle.
• Financial Hardship: Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income can create overwhelming financial strain.

Our Greenville burn injury lawyers work closely with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate both the immediate and future costs of your injury. We strive to secure compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care needs.

Medical Treatment for Severe Burn Injuries

Burn victims often require extensive medical treatment immediately following an accident and throughout their recovery. Severe burns frequently involve lengthy hospital stays and multiple procedures.

Treatment may include:

• Emergency medical stabilization
• Burn unit hospitalization
• Skin graft surgeries
• Infection prevention and treatment
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Because treatment costs can continue for years after the initial injury, it is critical that any settlement or verdict reflects both current and future medical expenses.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury in South Carolina?

Determining liability depends on how the burn occurred. Commonly responsible parties may include:

• Property Owners: For unsafe premises, such as apartment fires or faulty wiring.
• Employers or Contractors: For unsafe work environments or lack of protective equipment.
• Manufacturers: For defective products, such as faulty appliances, batteries, or flammable materials.
• Drivers: For car or truck accidents that result in explosions or fires.

Our attorneys conduct detailed investigations to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation from every available source, including insurance claims and lawsuits.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we know that every burn injury case is unique. We build each claim strategically to reflect the full extent of your suffering and losses.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Burn Injury Claim

The success of a burn injury case often depends on the quality of the evidence available. Acting quickly after an accident can help preserve critical information that supports your claim.

Important evidence may include:

• Accident reports
• Fire department investigation findings
• Medical records and treatment documentation
• Photographs of injuries and accident scenes
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Expert testimony
• Product defect reports
• Employment and wage records

Our legal team works to gather, preserve, and present compelling evidence that demonstrates liability and the full extent of your damages.

Why Burn Injury Cases Often Require Expert Witnesses

Burn injury claims frequently involve complex medical and technical issues that require testimony from qualified experts. These professionals can help explain how the injury occurred, the extent of the damages, and the long-term effects the victim may face.

Experts commonly involved in burn injury cases include:

• Burn surgeons
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
• Fire investigators
• Electrical engineers
• Chemical safety specialists
• Vocational rehabilitation experts
• Economists and financial experts
• Mental health professionals

Expert testimony can be critical when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting a case before a jury. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we work with respected experts to build the strongest possible claim for our clients.

Burn Injury Claim FAQs

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

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period may forfeit your right to recover compensation.

What if my burn injury happened at work?

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. In some cases, you can also file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer caused the accident.

Do I need a lawyer for a burn injury claim?

Yes. Burn injury cases often involve complex medical evidence and significant damages. A knowledgeable Greenville burn injury lawyer from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can ensure your rights are protected and that you pursue the maximum compensation available.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, recovery time, and long-term effects. Our firm provides free consultations to help you understand your case’s potential value.

Contact a Greenville Burn Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury in Greenville, SC, don’t face the aftermath alone. The compassionate and experienced attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC are here to help you seek justice and financial recovery.

We handle burn injury cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our firm has secured millions of dollars on behalf of clients like you.

Call today for a free consultation with a dedicated Greenville burn injury lawyer.