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Burn injuries can happen in various settings, such as at home, in the workplace, during car accidents, or at recreational areas. If you have suffered from a burn injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Our experienced Columbia personal injury lawyers at Shealey Law Firm offer this personal injury guide to the most common causes of burns in Columbia, SC.
The Common Causes of Burns
The American Burn Association estimates that, as of 2025, 29,165 people are admitted to the hospital each year for burn injuries in the United States. The South Atlantic region, including Columbia, SC, had the most admissions, accounting for 26% of burn injuries in the country.
What Are the Leading Causes of Burn Injuries in Columbia, SC?
The leading causes of burn injuries include the following:
- Scald: A burn caused by hot liquid, including water, steam, or chemicals.
- Hot solids: A contact burn caused by touching a hot object.
- Fire: A burn caused by direct exposure to flames.
- Radiation: A burn caused by harmful radiation exposure, including sunburn.
- Chemicals: A burn caused by corrosive chemicals that damage skin and deeper tissue.
- Electricity: A burn caused by electrical current that can damage the skin and cause internal injuries.
- Inhalation: A burn or injury caused by heat, smoke, or chemical exposure to the respiratory system.
- Friction: A burn caused by rubbing against an object.
- Cold: A burn caused by extreme cold, such as frostbite, that damages skin cells.
While there are multiple causes of burn injuries, all burn injuries destroy tissue because of the transfer of energy. Cellular destruction occurs, physiologically, in a variety of ways
Burns can vary in severity and can be painful and life-threatening. They create a risk of complications, such as infection, and scars and disfigurement can occur.
Burn Injuries from Workplace Accidents and Construction Sites
Workplace accidents, particularly on construction sites, can present various hazards, including the risk of explosion, open flames, and heat exposure from material handling. Additionally, improper chemical handling can lead to accidents, and the operation of machinery and equipment can pose a risk of electrical shock.
A study found that 14.28% of burn injuries occur in the workplace, with thermal burns being the most prevalent cause. However, burns can also result from electricity, chemicals, and inhalation of harmful substances in work environments, including construction sites.
Residential Fires
Leading causes of house fires include cooking, heating equipment like furnaces and space heaters, electrical malfunctions, and clothes dryers. Additionally, poor containment of flammable materials like smoking products and candles can also lead to fires. Arson is also a cause of residential fires.
According to FEMA, cooking has been a leading cause of residential fire, accounting for 51% of residential building fires.
Faulty Wiring and Landlord Liability
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are safe. Faulty wiring can make a landlord liable for burn injuries. Poorly maintained wiring may lead to fires, cause contact with heat, or result in electrical shocks or arc flashes. Energized wiring can directly harm individuals, or they may sustain injuries in a fire. Additionally, a person may sustain an electrical injury even if the injury is not immediately visible.
Burns Caused by Defective Products or Appliances
A defective product or appliance can start a fire by overheating or cause a direct contact burn. In some cases, defective products can result in explosions. Columbia, SC, recognizes personal injury claims due to defective products. A product defect or malfunction that results in a burn injury may be the basis for a claim.
Chemical and Thermal Burns in Public or Commercial Spaces
Throughout your day, you might visit various places, such as grocery stores, retail stores, appointments, public buildings, or parks. You could also dine at a restaurant or stay at a hotel. These public and commercial spaces can be potential sites for burns to occur. When you’re away from home, you may not recognize the dangers that exist around you, and you might not have the means to protect yourself. If you experience a chemical or thermal burn in a public or commercial space, it could serve as the basis for a personal injury claim.
The Legal Process for Pursuing a Burn Injury Claim
The legal process of pursuing a burn injury claim starts with determining the cause of the burn, whether it occurs in the home, by a defective product, or in a car accident. Determining who is at fault for the car accident can determine all sources of compensation.
An electrical fault, chemical exposure, or failing to protect property visitors from danger can result in a burn on someone else’s property. In these cases, a claim could be based on premises liability.
Shealey Law Firm has burn injury attorneys who can investigate the cause of the burn. The legal process involves identifying the basis of a claim and the sources of compensation and then gathering evidence. Most cases end with a settlement, but you can take your case to trial with representation from our experienced lawyers.
When To Contact a Columbia Personal Injury Attorney After a Burn
If you have experienced a burn, seek medical attention first. Then call a Columbia, SC, personal injury attorney. Common causes of burns can be the basis for a personal injury claim, and our lawyers can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Shealey Law Firm to talk to a lawyer and get help today.