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Car Accident Burn Injury Lawyers in Columbia, SC

Burn injuries from a car accident can have devastating impacts on victims and their loved ones, such as permanent scarring, infection, loss of limbs or feeling in limbs, and even loss of life. With decades of experience representing car accident burn victims and their families, we’ve seen how serious these injuries can be and understand the physical, financial, and emotional damage they can have on those involved.

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, our mission is to hold the liable party or parties accountable and ensure that you get the compensation you’re entitled to for all past, present, and future damages caused by the accident.

If you or a loved one sustained burn injuries from a car accident in Columbia, SC or nearby, we are here to answer any questions you may have, help you maximize your recovery, and get you and your loved ones justice and closure so you can look forward to a better future ahead. We are currently accepting new clients. Call our office today at (803) 888-2200 or fill out our online case evaluation form to speak with a lawyer today, complimentary. Our lawyers have a track record of securing fair results for our car accident clients, so you will rest assured knowing that your case is in experienced and capable hands.

Why Should I Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer?

Following a burn injury from a car accident, you are likely dealing with a lot. From damage to your vehicle to mounting medical expenses, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. Our award-winning car accident lawyers will ease the burden by handling all of the legal aspects of your case. We will keep track of important documents for you and frequently update you on the status of your case so you can focus your time, energy, and attention on what matters most: healing. We will work hard to obtain fair compensation for all damages related to the accident and resulting injuries, including but not limited to:

  • Medical Expenses: Such as the costs of wound care, follow up appointments, skin grafts, psychological support, and more.
  • Specialist Bills
  • Past and Future Time Missed From Work
  • Lost Wages
  • Reduced Earning Capacity
  • Permanent Scarring
  • Car and Property Damage
  • Permanent Disability
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Wrongful Death
  • And more.

While this list may provide a good starting point for what you may be entitled to, if you’d like to learn more about what you may qualify to receive based on the specifics of your case, contact our team today. We’re here to help.

 

Causes of Burn Injuries From Car Accidents

Many burn injuries we see after car accidents commonly arise from:

Fires or Explosions

Devastatingly, some accidents result in vehicle fires or explosions. These can be caused by various circumstances, such as chemical leaks including gasoline, battery acid, coolant, oil, etc. In addition, internal explosions are possible, such as those resulting from lithium batteries. Electrical malfunctions or serious impact with another vehicle or stationary object can also cause fires that may burn those involved or within the surrounding area.

Exposure to Hot Engine Parts or Liquids

Car accidents can severely damage a vehicle, exposing vehicle components and liquids that can get very hot, such as coolant, transmission fluid, or parts of the engine, radiator, or exhaust systems. When these typically secured parts and liquids become dislodged and make direct contact with the body, they can cause serious burns.

Damaged Wiring

Damaged wiring resulting from the collision can cause serious electrical burns to anyone who comes in contact with them.

Road Rash

Road rash, a common symptom in motorcycle and pedestrian accidents, occurs as a result of an individual hitting, sliding, or dragging against the pavement. This is a serious and painful injury that can result in burns, cuts, and worse.

Friction Burns

Friction burns, similar to road rash, can vary in intensity and occur when a person’s body rubs against surfaces within the vehicle. These can include but are not limited to a seatbelt, seat, steering wheel, or other interior surface.

Airbag Burns

When an airbag deploys, it releases an aerosol of alkaline chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. This can cause burns to the eyes, skin, digestive system, and lungs. Sodium hydroxide burns can cause permanent damage, disfigurement, and even death. When this happens, those involved should seek immediate medical attention to prevent the burns from developing deeper into the tissue.

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Burn Classifications and Complications

If you have suffered any of these burns or complications from burn wounds after a car accident, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Columbia car accident attorney as soon as possible. Burn injuries are serious injuries that can result from car accidents, and like treatment for the injuries, acting fast to hire a reputable attorney can greatly help your case.

First Degree Burns

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. The skin where the burn occurred will likely be red, painful, and dry.

Second Degree Burns

Second-degree burns impact the outer layer of the skin and parts of the lower layer of skin. At this level of burn, the skin will likely blister, burn, swell, and cause pain.

Third Degree Burns

Third-degree burns devastate the outer (epidermis) and inner (dermis) layers of skin. They can go to the innermost layer of skin. At this level of burn, the skin will likely look white or blackened and charred.

Fourth Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns go through both layers or skin and underlying tissue. These burns can damage the bones, muscles, and tendons beneath the skin. At this level of burn, there is likely no feeling in the impacted area, as nerve endings have likely been destroyed. These burns require extensive medical care and a long and painful recovery process.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that can happen when a bacterial infection, such as one resulting from a burn wound, leads to a bloodstream infection. Symptoms can include change in mental status, fast breathing, shallow breathing, sweating for no clear reason, feeling lightheaded, shivering, and more. If you were diagnosed and treated for sepsis, you likely had to undergo blood tests, lab tests, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT, or MRIs. In addition, sepsis treatment plans may include surgery, antibiotics, and more.

Hypovolemia

Burns can also cause hypovolemia, a condition that occurs when your body loses essential fluid, like blood or water, that keep organs functioning properly. Hypovolemia is a direct effect of burns and results in “burn shock.” Signs of hypovolemia can include weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. Treatment often includes fluid resuscitation and monitoring.

Hypothermia

Victims with major burn injuries are prone to hypothermia, a common complication of severe burns. Hypothermia can be a burn complication from dangerously low body temperatures and can lead to further complications.

Breathing Problems

Devastatingly, the injury most commonly associated with death from burns are inhalation injuries, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine. This can be a result of breathing in hot air, smoke, or other harmful chemicals.

Keloids

Another complication of burn injuries and wounds includes keloids. Keloids are scars or rigid areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.

Contractures

When a burn scar heals, it can tighten and thicken. Contractures occur when the maturing, tightening, and thickening of the skin, muscle or tendons result in bone and joint problems, possibly preventing movement. If you or a loved one suffered contractures from a burn injury, treatment may have included various forms of surgery.

At Cavanaugh & Thickes, LLC, we understand that the impact of burn injuries expand beyond physical pain. Healing from burn injuries can be an extensive and painful process, requiring daily work and patience from victims and their loved ones. We are dedicated to getting you the entirety of what you’re owed under South Carolina for what you’ve been forced to go through physically, financially, and emotionally. While we can’t go back and change what has happened, we can ensure that you are fairly compensated and get justice for your injuries, expenses, emotional trauma, and all resulting damages caused by the accident.

Emotional Trauma from Car Accident Burn Injuries

In our 60+ years of combined experience, it is not uncommon for our burn injury clients to feel anxious and depressed following a serious accident and throughout the healing journey. While some people may experience mild anxiety, others face severe PTSD. You may feel:

  • Scared to drive again
  • Depressed about the severity of the injury and/or permanent effects
  • Hopeless about your future
  • Angry at the circumstances

Our legal team will help you get the justice you deserve and ensure you are provided with the resources needed to best heal.

Contact Our Experienced Columbia Burn Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one was burned in a serious car accident in Columbia, SC you may qualify for significant compensation. While you focus on healing, our team will focus on getting you the justice and the full compensation you deserve.

We’re here to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Contact our team today for a free case evaluation and learn what you may be entitled to and how you can get the justice you deserve. We are available 24/7 via phone at (803) 888-2200. For your convenience, you may also complete our simple online form, begin a website chat, or email info@ctlawsc.com and a member of our team will be in touch as quickly as possible.