Burn Injury Lawyers

Burns are classified by depth: first-degree (superficial, epidermis only), second-degree (partial thickness, damages epidermis and dermis), third-degree (full thickness, destroys all skin layers), and fourth-degree (extends into muscle, tendon, or bone). The severity of a burn injury claim depends on both the depth and the total body surface area (TBSA) affected. Burns covering more than 20% TBSA are considered major burns and typically require treatment at a specialized burn center.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the burn injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). In South Carolina, you have 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). However, burn injury cases often involve complex investigation into the cause of the fire or explosion, so it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence before it is destroyed or altered.

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include: property owners or landlords who failed to maintain fire safety systems, employers who violated workplace safety regulations, manufacturers of defective products (appliances, heaters, electronics), utility companies responsible for gas leaks or electrical hazards, construction contractors, chemical companies, and individuals whose negligence caused a fire. Multiple parties may share liability in a single case.

Burn injury cases are among the highest-value personal injury claims due to the extreme medical costs, multiple surgeries, and lifelong impact involved. Factors that determine value include: the degree and extent of the burns, total body surface area affected, need for skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, psychological impact, lost wages and earning capacity, and ongoing rehabilitation needs. Severe burn cases frequently result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.

Burn injury victims may recover compensation for: emergency medical care and hospitalization, burn center treatment and ICU stays, surgical procedures including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, physical and occupational therapy, pain management and medication, psychological counseling for PTSD and depression, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages and future lost earning capacity, diminished quality of life, and in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages.

Yes. Defective products are a common cause of burn injuries — including faulty appliances, lithium-ion batteries, space heaters, electrical components, and flammable consumer goods. Both Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11) and South Carolina (S.C. Code § 15-73-10) recognize strict liability for defective products, meaning you do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent — only that the product was defective and caused your burn injury.

Workplace burn injuries may be covered by workers' compensation, which provides medical benefits and wage replacement regardless of fault. However, if a third party (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, property owner) contributed to the fire or explosion, you may also file a separate personal injury claim against that party for additional compensation including pain and suffering, which workers' compensation does not cover. Our attorneys evaluate all available claims.

Yes. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain fire safety systems including smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and proper egress routes. They must also maintain electrical systems and heating equipment in safe condition. If a landlord's failure to meet fire safety codes or perform proper maintenance contributed to a fire, they can be held liable for burn injuries suffered by tenants and guests.

Burn treatment is often a multi-year process. Initial treatment may include debridement, skin grafts, and weeks or months of hospitalization. After discharge, patients typically require ongoing wound care, physical therapy to prevent contractures, scar management (pressure garments, silicone therapy, laser treatments), and multiple reconstructive surgeries spaced months apart. Severe burn victims may require medical treatment and psychological support for the rest of their lives.

At Roden Law, we handle burn injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Burn injury cases require investment in fire investigation experts, medical specialists, and life care planners, all of which we fund in advance. We provide free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.