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Hi, my name is Kenneth Berger. I'm an attorney here in Columbia, and I help families across South Carolina with life-changing injuries, including burn injuries. While there are dozens of points I can make about burn injury cases, I believe there are three big things all burn victims and their families should know. First, every person or business that caused your burn is responsible for your injury. For example, wrecks sometimes result in car fires. When this occurs, it's possible that both the at-fault driver and the car manufacturer are liable for the burn injury. Second, burn victims must be compensated for every harm and loss they sustained. In other words, it's not just your medical bills and scars for which you must be compensated. South Carolina law demands that you be allowed compensation for mental anguish, decreased earning capacity, lost enjoyment of life, and any other hardship you have sustained or will sustain in the future. Third, burn injury cases are complex. Even though the damage is clear, determining how and why a fire began or a machine overheated is often far more complicated. And because they have so much to lose, insurance companies vigorously defend burn injury cases. They might argue that their insured is not to blame, they may dispute your need for future medical treatment, or they may point the finger at some third party. Therefore, it's usually in a burn victim or their family's best interest to at least consult with an attorney before trying to take on the insurance company alone. To find out how I can help and for answers to other questions, call me today and also order free copies of my books. I'd be honored to speak with you and look forward to being of service.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in South Carolina
In my time working with victims of burn injuries in Columbia and throughout South Carolina, it has become clear that there are many different causes, reasons, and degrees of severity when it comes to burns. Burns can be caused by:
- Explosions of propane, natural gas, gasoline, or other flammable liquids and vapors
- House fires
- Auto accidents
- Hot liquids, such as water, oil, grease, or tar
- Hot metals, plastics, glass, or coals
- Chemicals like strong acids or alkalis
- Electricity
- Alpha, beta, or gamma radiation
These hazards can appear at home, at work, or even somewhere that you least expect. The bottom line, however, is that most burn injuries are preventable and are often caused because of another person's negligence. Even if it was a complete accident, it still may be that the financial burden of your burn injury not fall completely on your shoulders.
South Carolina burn injury lawyer Kenneth E. Berger explains the three things you must know about burn injury cases. If you are or a loved one has been injured in this way, watch this video to learn more.
Burn Injury Classifications
The outcome of your burn injury case will likely be influenced by the severity of the burn you suffered. The medical field classifies burns under six broad categories - though fourth, fifth, and sixth degree burns are mentioned less often because of their infrequency.
Below we've included descriptions of each burn classification. If you are unsure what type of burn you have, don't be afraid to seek a medical professional's opinion.
- First Degree Burns
A first-degree burn is the least serious type of burn. It is known as a superficial burn, in which only the outer layer of skin has been affected. Your skin will usually be red and possibly swollen, and the burn itself may be slightly painful. It may look like a sunburn. In most cases, you can treat first degree burns on your own. However, if the burn is especially large or covers a portion of your face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin, or a major joint, you may want to visit your medical provider for an evaluation.
- Second Degree Burns
A second-degree burn is also known as a partial thickness burn, but with this classification, both the first and second layers of skin have been damaged. Second degree burns differ from first degree burns because blisters containing clear fluids could develop, the skin may become red and splotchy, and it will likely be very swollen and painful. However, like first degree burns, if it is not too large—three inches or less—you can probably treat it on your own at home. If your wound covers a larger portion of your body, consider heading to the emergency room for medical care.
- Third Degree Burns
Third degree burns are known as full thickness burns, involving all layers of the skin, and can cause permanent tissue damage. The burnt area could look charred black or dry and white. This classification requires medical attention. Because muscle and bone can be affected, an immediate emergency response is needed to assess the damage and take urgent action. Improperly treated third degree burns can lead to a loss of limb or severe infection.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Degree Burns
Fourth, fifth, and sixth degree burns are the most serious classification of burn injuries and require immediate medical attention. They are also full-thickness burns, but they extend beyond the layers of skin and can damage underlying tissue, including fat (fourth degree), muscle (fifth degree), and bone (sixth degree). The affected skin may be charred black or white and hard to the touch, and because all nerve endings are destroyed, the injured person may not feel pain immediately.
Contact Our South Carolina Burn Injury Lawyers Today
Mr. Berger is familiar with the nuances and complexities of burn injury cases. While there is a lot that he could share, there are three things about burn injury cases that he believes everyone should know:
1. Every person or business that caused your burn is responsible for your injury.
2. Under South Carolina law, burn victims must be compensated for every harm and loss that they have. This includes compensation for mental anguish, decreased earning capacity, lost enjoyment of life, and any other hardship that resulted from the injury.
3. Burn injury cases can be complicated. While the injuries are obvious, the cause of the injury is not always as obvious.
Insurance companies often fight hard against burn injury cases. As a result, it is recommended that victims at least speak with an attorney before trying to take on an insurance company.
If you or a love one has had burn injuries, call Kenneth E. Berger today at 803-790-2800
