Burn Injuries – What You Need to Know
Burn injuries are some of the most painful types of injuries possible. The American Burn Association reports that approximately 486,000 people each year receive hospital and emergency room treatment for burns. This doesn’t take into account the thousands of burn injuries treated in clinics and private medical offices. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also reports that roughly 14,500 people die annually from either burns or burn-related infections.
The people most vulnerable to burn accidents and injuries include young children and older adults. Part of the reason this is true is that their skin is more delicate and sensitive. Another issue with these groups is that they may have less mobility in a fire situation. The fact is that a burn injury can occur in just about any setting, from a home to a business to a crashed car.
If you or a loved one have suffered from a burn injury, these are not only painful, but they also take a long time to heal. Burns that are severe can require treatment that is incredibly complicated and expensive. When those injuries were caused by the carelessness or negligence of another party, you have the right to make a claim for damages. Here are several things that you need to know about burn injuries and filing a burn injury claim.
Common Types of Burn Injuries
A majority of burn injuries are the result of contact with hot steam or flames, but some may also be caused by electricity, extreme cold, harsh chemicals, sunlight and other radiation, and friction. Depending on the extent of the exposure, burns are generally classified as first, second, or third-degree burns.
- First-degree burns affect just the skin’s top layer, or the epidermis, with little to no further damage.
- Second-degree burns will affect the entire epidermis as well as deeper layers. There will be significant pain as well as blistering and possible nerve damage. Infection and shock are possibilities with these burns.
- Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn that destroys the skin’s layers as well as underlying tissue, muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Because there is nerve damage, there may not be as much pain associated with these burns, but long-term implications will include significant scarring and surgery for skin grafts.
The treatment necessary for burn injuries depends on the nature and location of the injury. For example, a severe burn on a limb could require amputation while other burns may call for extensive plastic or cosmetic surgery.
Who Can File a Burn Injury Claim?
Burn injuries have far-reaching consequences. Not only can the medical care be costly, but a burn victim could be prevented from returning to work and suffer from severe emotional trauma as well. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party, you have the right to file a claim for fair and just compensation. Your Columbia, South Carolina burn injury attorney will evaluate your case and speak to you about your legal options.
Typical Sites of Burn Injuries
Where your accident and burn injury took place could determine the direction of your case. For example, many serious burn incidents happen on the job, where there might be explosions, fires, and risk of electrocution. Your right to recovery in these cases would fall under your employer’s workplace accident coverage, and a qualified South Carolina worker’s compensation attorney can help ensure your access to benefits.
Other common sites of burn injuries include public spaces, schools and nurseries, and road accidents. A restaurant could be held liable for spilling a hot beverage on a patron, or a school that doesn’t supervise children closely enough could create unnecessary hazards. Car accidents not only cause serious damage and injuries, but they can also result in fires that leave victims with additional damages.
How Are Workplace Burn Injuries Handled In Columbia, SC Personal Injury Cases?
When an employee suffers a burn injury on the job in Columbia, South Carolina, navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming. Unlike standard slip-and-fall incidents, workplace injuries often trigger a unique intersection between state workers’ compensation laws under South Carolina Code of Affairs Title 42 and traditional personal injury litigation. Understanding how these two distinct systems interact is the first step toward securing the financial recovery you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.
The Foundation of Workers’ Compensation
For almost all employees in Columbia, the immediate aftermath of a workplace burn begins with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation system. This is designed as a no-fault program governed by statutes such as S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-10 et seq. You do not have to prove your employer was careless or broke safety regulations to qualify for benefits. If the burn happened while you were performing your job duties, workers’ compensation covers your necessary medical treatments, emergency room visits, surgeries, and a portion of your lost wages while you heal.
When a Third Party is Involved
While workers’ compensation protects employers from most direct lawsuits pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-540, it does not shield outside companies or equipment manufacturers from liability. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-560, if your burn injury was caused by a defective industrial machine, a faulty electrical component, or a poorly labeled chemical supplied by an outside vendor, you may have grounds for a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Unlike workers’ comp, these civil claims allow you to pursue compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional trauma, and the full extent of your lost earning capacity subject to a three-year statute of limitations under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530.
Investigating and Proving Fault
Building a successful third-party personal injury case in Columbia requires a thorough and timely investigation. Your legal team will need to preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene, including maintenance records, equipment logs, and safety reports. Expert witnesses, such as forensic engineers or workplace safety specialists, are frequently called upon to analyze why a machine malfunctioned or how a chemical safety protocol failed. Establishing this direct link of negligence is essential for winning a civil claim under state tort standards.
Accounting for Severe Disfigurement
Burn injuries are notoriously painful and often leave permanent physical reminders. South Carolina law explicitly recognizes the deep emotional and physical impact of permanent scarring and disfigurement under S.C. Code Ann. § 42-9-30, particularly when injuries affect the face, head, or hands. In addition to standard disability benefits, injured workers may qualify for specific financial awards compensating them for permanent physical impairment. Documenting these scars with professional medical photography and detailed physician evaluations is critical during this stage.
Taking Immediate Action After an Accident
Protecting your health and your legal rights requires prompt action following a workplace burn. First, seek emergency medical care immediately and ensure every detail of your injury is recorded by medical staff. Second, notify your employer in writing within the statutory ninety-day window mandated by S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-20 to meet strict state notification deadlines. Finally, consulting with an experienced Columbia personal injury attorney can help you navigate both workers’ compensation claims and complex third-party liability lawsuits effectively.
Protecting Your Rights in a Burn Injury Case
If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury that was caused by the careless acts or negligent behavior of a third party, you may be able to file a burn injury claim for damages. It’s vital that you not only seek medical attention immediately after the accident but that you also consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate your case and advise you of your options. Contact our Columbia, South Carolina office now at (803) 788-4370 or online to schedule a free consultation.
Last Updated: September 2026
