SC Burn Injury Lawyer Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, SC Burn Injury Lawyer

Severe burn injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one suffered a burn due to someone else’s negligence, a Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyer at The Arndt Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (843) 469-8777 today for a free consultation.

Burn injuries are some of the most painful and life-changing experiences anyone can face. A person’s life can be turned upside down in just a moment.

Burn accidents can happen almost anywhere: on the job, at home, or in the community. In Mount Pleasant, the mix of historic homes, waterfront properties, and busy commercial areas creates unique fire and burn risks. For example:

A construction worker might suffer burns in a workplace accident at a Carolina Park job site.
A restaurant employee could get hurt in a kitchen fire on Coleman Boulevard.
A family might experience an explosion from a defective product in their Park West home.
A driver could sustain burns after a car crash on Highway 17.

These types of incidents often lead to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and years of rehabilitation.

Many burn injuries, however, are preventable. They often happen because someone failed to follow safety procedures, neglected to maintain equipment, or didn’t adequately warn others about potential hazards. When negligence is involved, the law allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Our team at The Arndt Law Firm in Mount Pleasant helps burn injury victims across Charleston County pursue justice and recovery. An experienced Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyer can investigate what happened, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the financial support victims need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Victims secure the help they deserve by taking legal action and encouraging safer workplaces, better-maintained properties, and more responsible companies.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Mount Pleasant

Knowing how and where burn injuries occur helps victims recognize when negligence may be responsible and when they may have valid legal claims.

Workplace Accidents

Mount Pleasant's construction boom creates numerous opportunities for workplace burn injuries. Construction sites, including large-scale developments in areas such as Carolina Park, Park West, and Dunes West, can present multiple burn hazards.

Electrical Burns: Contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or overhead power lines causes severe electrical injuries. Construction workers installing electrical systems, operating equipment near power lines, or using damaged power tools face significant risks.
Chemical Exposure: Construction workers handle concrete, solvents, adhesives, and other chemicals that can cause severe burns. Inadequate training, missing safety equipment, or failure to provide material safety data sheets contribute to chemical burn injuries.
Explosions: Gas leaks, improperly stored combustible materials, or defective equipment can cause explosions resulting in catastrophic burn injuries. Construction sites must maintain strict safety protocols to prevent these devastating incidents.
Industrial Settings: Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and industrial operations throughout Charleston County may present burn hazards from hot machinery, steam systems, chemical processing, and electrical equipment.

Employer negligence in maintaining equipment, providing safety training, or supplying protective equipment creates liability when workers suffer burn injuries.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle fires cause some of the most severe burn injuries. Crashes on Highway 17, the Ravenel Bridge, Coleman Boulevard, and Long Point Road, for example, can result in fires when fuel systems rupture or electrical components short-circuit.

Premises Liability Burns

Property owners' negligence creates conditions leading to burn injuries at commercial and residential properties throughout Mount Pleasant.

Restaurant Fires: Kitchen fires at restaurants along Shem Creek, in Towne Center, or on Coleman Boulevard can injure employees and patrons. Grease fires, faulty gas lines, and inadequate fire suppression systems contribute to these incidents.
Apartment and Condominium Fires: Residential fires in complexes throughout Park West, Rivertowne, and Carolina Park often result from faulty wiring, defective appliances, or negligent maintenance. Landlords who ignore electrical problems, fail to install or maintain smoke detectors, or violate fire codes can be held responsible for burn injuries.
Hotel and Airbnb Fires: Short-term rental properties and hotels must comply with fire safety codes. Missing smoke detectors, blocked exits, faulty wiring, and inadequate fire extinguishers create dangerous conditions for guests.

Defective Products

Product defects cause numerous burn injuries when manufacturers, distributors, or retailers sell dangerous products to Mount Pleasant residents.

Defective Appliances: Faulty stoves, ovens, space heaters, water heaters, and other electrical appliances can malfunction, overheat, or catch fire, resulting in severe burns. Design defects, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings create liability.
Electronics and Batteries: Laptops, cell phones, hoverboards, and other electronics with lithium-ion batteries have caused fires and explosions. Defective batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode without warning.
Flammable Products: Clothing, furniture, and other consumer products that are unreasonably flammable or lack required flame-retardant treatments can cause or worsen burn injuries.

Burn Injury Trends and Safety in Mount Pleasant and Charleston County

Burn incidents continue to be a serious concern in Mount Pleasant and throughout Charleston County. As the area grows, with both new construction and older coastal homes and businesses, residents and workers may face a variety of fire, electrical, and maintenance-related hazards.

Key risk factors locally include:

Population and development growth: Large-scale construction (for example, in communities such as Park West, Dunes West, and Carolina Park) may increase exposure to workplace and electrical burn hazards if safety protocols are not strictly applied.
Older homes and outdated systems: Many historic Charleston-style homes in Old Village and near Shem Creek may contain aging wiring and obsolete fire-safety features, which can contribute to residential fires.
Tourism and restaurant activity: With a large food service industry and many dining establishments (including along Coleman Boulevard and Shem Creek), grease fires, gas line incidents, and kitchen fires remain meaningful risk scenarios.

National and state fire-safety research studies report that unattended cooking, electrical malfunctions, and heating equipment are frequent causes of these fire emergencies.

For people living in Mount Pleasant, recognizing these risks underscores the importance of regular maintenance and fire safety. Beyond statistics, these incidents remind the community that preventable fires and explosions can change lives in seconds. When victims suffer because someone fails to follow safety standards, South Carolina law provides a path to accountability and recovery.

Understanding Burn Severity and How It Affects Compensation

The severity of a burn injury often determines medical treatment and the value of a personal injury claim. Medical professionals classify burns by degree, based on the depth and extent of skin and underlying tissue damage.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns only affect the skin's outer layer, causing redness and pain. These typically heal with minimal treatment but still qualify for compensation if caused by negligence or unsafe conditions.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns damage deeper layers of skin, leading to blistering, swelling, and scarring. Victims often require hospitalization, and the risk of infection is significant.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and can affect nerves, muscles, and bones. They often require multiple surgeries and skin grafts, resulting in permanent scarring or disability.

Chemical and Electrical Burns

Chemical and electrical burns may not appear severe at first, but can cause extensive internal damage, muscle injuries, or organ failure.

The severity and long-term effects of a burn significantly affect the amount of compensation a victim can receive. Damages usually cover medical bills (past and future), rehabilitation, reconstructive surgeries, lost wages, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering, including disfigurement.

The final recovery also depends on who was at fault, state laws like South Carolina’s modified comparative-fault rules, insurance coverage, and whether workers’ compensation is the only option. Because these factors can be complex, a thorough medical and legal review is essential to understand the full value of a claim.

Damages Recoverable in Burn Injury Cases

Burn injuries often result in the highest damage awards in personal injury law due to their severity, the extensive medical treatment required, and the permanent consequences victims face. South Carolina law allows comprehensive recovery for economic and non-economic losses.

Medical Expenses

Burn treatment is expensive, often requiring immediate emergency care, hospitalization in specialized burn units, and multiple surgeries, including skin grafts and reconstructive procedures. Patients may also need physical and occupational therapy, pain management, psychological counseling, medications, medical equipment, and home healthcare.

Severe burn patients often receive treatment at specialized burn centers like the JMS Burn Center at Doctors’ Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, where many burn victims from Mount Pleasant may be transferred. Initial hospital stays for major burns can last for months, and the total cost can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Burn injuries frequently prevent victims from working during lengthy recovery periods. Lost wages include all income missed during treatment and rehabilitation. For self-employed individuals and business owners, lost business income is recoverable.

Pain and Suffering

Few injuries cause pain as severe as that of severe burns. The initial injury, repeated debridement procedures, skin grafts, and ongoing complications cause extraordinary physical suffering. Burn victims who endure years of treatment and chronic pain from scarring and contractures deserve substantial compensation for their suffering.

Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish

The psychological impact of burn injuries can be as devastating as physical injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among burn survivors, particularly when fires or explosions caused the injuries. Depression, anxiety, and social phobia frequently develop as victims struggle with altered appearance and limitations.

Psychological counseling and therapy are essential for burn survivors. Damages may include the cost of treatment and compensation for the emotional suffering.

Disfigurement and Scarring

Burn scars are permanent. While surgical revisions can improve appearance and function, severe burns leave victims visibly scarred for life. Disfigurement damages compensate for the altered appearance and its impact on quality of life, self-esteem, and social interactions.

Facial scarring is particularly devastating, affecting every social and professional interaction. Hand scarring draws constant attention. Visible scars on arms, legs, and other exposed areas cause ongoing emotional distress.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Burn injuries often prevent victims from participating in activities they previously enjoyed. Physical limitations from contractures, pain from scarring, and self-consciousness about appearance all contribute to diminished quality of life.

Victims who can no longer play sports, enjoy hobbies, or stay active with their children experience real, life-changing losses. While no amount of money can replace those moments, fair compensation recognizes and honors what has been taken from them.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, South Carolina courts may award punitive damages when someone acts with extreme carelessness or disregards others’ safety. These damages go beyond compensating the victim; they punish serious misconduct and deter others from doing the same.

For example, punitive damages may apply when:

An employer repeatedly ignores safety rules.
A manufacturer hides known product defects.
A property owner fails to fix dangerous fire hazards despite repeated warnings.

Punitive damages send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Life After a Burn Injury

Healing from a severe burn extends well beyond the initial hospital stay. Physical, emotional, and social recovery can take many months, and for some survivors, years, and in many cases, life is permanently changed. Awareness of the long-term effects is critical so that any legal claim can fully reflect the scope of a victim’s losses.

Ongoing recovery often involves:

Reconstructive surgery and therapy: Many patients undergo multiple skin grafts or reconstructive procedures, followed by months of physical and occupational therapy to restore movement and strength.
Pain management and infection prevention: Severe burns require ongoing wound care and pain management to avoid complications.
Emotional and psychological support: Burn survivors frequently face depression, anxiety, or PTSD after traumatic accidents. Counseling and support groups are crucial to rebuilding confidence and daily functioning.

Specialized care is accessible in the Charleston area. The South Carolina Burn Center at MUSC Health offers multidisciplinary inpatient care and rehabilitation for adult and pediatric burn patients. Survivors may also continue outpatient rehabilitation and psychological support locally via community clinics or tele-health services.

Life after a burn injury can involve relearning simple tasks, adapting homes for mobility, and adjusting to visible scars. As mentioned earlier, the law recognizes these challenges through compensation for ongoing care, lost earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Key South Carolina Laws Affecting Burn Injury Claims

South Carolina has specific laws that guide how burn injury victims can pursue compensation. Knowing these rules early on helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures victims protect their right to a fair recovery.

Modified Comparative Negligence

If a victim is found partially at fault for the accident, compensation is reduced by that percentage. However, recovery is still possible as long as the victim’s share of fault does not exceed 50%.

Statute of Limitations

Burn injury lawsuits must generally be filed within three years from the date of injury. Claims against government entities, such as public housing authorities or municipalities, require notice within a much shorter timeframe.

Punitive Damage Caps

In South Carolina, the law usually caps punitive damages at three times the compensatory amount or $500,000, whichever is higher. However, if the at-fault party acted intentionally or showed extreme recklessness, those limits may not apply.

These rules make it essential for victims to act quickly and work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can handle the legal deadlines and protect their right to full compensation.

The Legal Process for Burn Injury Claims in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Pursuing a burn injury claim is a complex process that involves several necessary steps, from investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if required, taking the case to court. Our team of experienced Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyers is essential to guiding victims through each stage, protecting their rights, and building a strong case for the compensation they deserve.

1. Seeking Medical Treatment and Documenting Injuries

Immediate medical attention is critical. Photos of injuries, treatment summaries, and doctors’ notes help support the case.

The South Carolina Burn Center at MUSC Health is the region’s comprehensive burn center. Local hospitals such as Roper and East Cooper provide emergency, trauma, wound care, and rehabilitation, and will stabilize or refer severely burned patients to MUSC when appropriate.

2. Meeting with a Burn Injury Lawyer to Review the Case

A consultation allows a lawyer to review the circumstances of the accident, explain legal rights, and outline options. The lawyer also begins evaluating potential defendants, reviewing medical records, and explaining what victims can expect throughout the legal process.

Why Having an Experienced Local Legal Team Matters

Suffering a severe burn injury can be overwhelming. A legal team that knows the Mount Pleasant community can make a real difference in protecting the victim’s rights and building a strong case. A Mount Pleasant-based burn injury lawyer can:

Understand local building types, coastal conditions, and regional safety regulations.
Quickly visit the scene to document evidence before it’s lost.
Effectively negotiate with local insurance adjusters, municipal agencies, and businesses.

Out-of-town firms may miss important details specific to this area. A local team ensures nothing is overlooked and that each case accurately reflects the injury's impact on the local environment.

Mount Pleasant has unique burn hazards due to its mix of historic homes, waterfront properties, commercial kitchens, and active construction sites. Some examples of cases in this area include:

Fires in older residential homes with outdated electrical systems
Accidents in restaurants and commercial kitchens along Coleman Boulevard
Boat fires at marinas and private docks on Shem Creek
Construction site accidents near Highway 17 and I-526
Vehicle fires on local bridges and roadways These cases require a lawyer to uncover violations and critical records, such as building permits, past code complaints, Coast Guard inspection reports, and OSHA safety records. Local knowledge also helps when working with courts, hospitals, property managers, landlords, and business owners.

Why Choose The Arndt Law Firm for Burn Injury Cases

Burn injury cases are among the most complex and emotionally challenging in personal injury law. Victims need an experienced Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyer with the knowledge, resources, and compassion to handle these demanding cases effectively.

Trial Readiness

While many burn injury cases settle, achieving fair settlements requires a demonstrated willingness and ability to proceed to trial. Insurance companies and corporate defendants offer better settlements when they know attorneys are prepared to fight in court.

Our team at The Arndt Law Firm approaches every burn injury case with thorough trial preparation, ensuring strong representation whether the case settles or proceeds to a verdict. This commitment to trial readiness consistently results in better outcomes for burn victims.

Compassionate Representation

Beyond legal skill, burn injury victims need legal representatives who understand the profound physical and emotional trauma they endure. Our team, led by our founder Jonathan Arndt, treats every client with compassion, recognizing that behind every case is a person whose life has been forever changed. Communication is clear and regular, ensuring clients understand the legal process and feel supported.

Skilled Negotiation with a Trial-Ready Mindset

The Arndt Law Firm prepares every burn injury case as if it will go to trial, even when a settlement is possible. This readiness encourages insurance companies to make fairer offers and prevents clients from being pressured into low settlements that don’t reflect the severity of their injuries.

Personal Support and Clear Communication

The team keeps clients informed at every stage of the process. They provide regular updates, explain legal steps clearly, and ensure the client’s concerns are heard. The goal is to reduce stress and make the legal process as understandable and manageable as possible.

Contingency Fee Policy

The firm handles burn injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the case is successful. Free consultations allow individuals to discuss their cases with a lawyer without financial pressure.

Local Knowledge and Resources

Being based in Mount Pleasant gives the firm an advantage in understanding Charleston County courts, local medical facilities, and the specific risks in the community. Knowledge of local construction sites, busy roadways, and commercial areas can help the firm gather evidence effectively, select juries strategically, and present cases that resonate with local jurors.

3. Investigating the Accident and Collecting All Evidence

Preserving evidence quickly is vital. Fire scenes can be cleaned up, defective products discarded, and documents lost. Attorneys act fast, sending spoliation letters and collecting critical evidence such as:

Fire, police, or Coast Guard reports
Safety inspection and violation records
Witness statements and surveillance footage
Medical and employment records

Lawyers may also consult experts in fire safety, accident reconstruction, or medicine. A thorough investigation ensures that all parties responsible for the burn are identified, maximizing the potential sources of compensation.

4. Filing Claims and Demand Letters

Once evidence is collected, attorneys submit a formal claim to the responsible party’s insurance company, outlining the facts, injuries, damages, and a request for compensation. If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, the lawyer files a lawsuit in the appropriate court. Complaints detail how negligence caused the injuries and specify the damages sought.

5. Negotiating Settlements and Participating in Mediation

Most burn injury cases settle before trial. Insurance companies are more likely to make reasonable offers when they know attorneys are prepared to fight in court. Courts may also require mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach an agreement. Settlement discussions continue throughout the case, often resulting in improved offers as the trial date approaches.

6. Preparing For a Trial If Necessary

If a case cannot settle, it proceeds to trial. Jury selection begins the process, followed by opening statements, evidence presentation, and witness testimony. Attorneys cross-examine opposing witnesses to challenge credibility and expert witnesses’ opinions. Trials allow victims to present the full extent of their injuries and losses.

7. Appealing the Verdict If Legal Errors Occur

After a verdict, either side can appeal if they believe legal errors affected the outcome. Appeals do not retry the case but review whether errors occurred at trial. While appeals can extend the timeline, they sometimes result in higher compensation if the trial court made unfavorable decisions.

8. Filing Within the Statute of Limitations

In South Carolina, victims typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, shorter notice requirements may apply. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect legal rights.

Having an experienced Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyer ensures victims have professional guidance at every stage. This support helps secure fair compensation and provides peace of mind during a challenging recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Claims

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim?

Most burn injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury date. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines. Consulting an attorney immediately ensures deadlines are met and evidence is preserved while memories are fresh.

Can I file a claim if my burn injury occurred at work?

If a burn injury occurs at work, the victim can access workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. A Mount Pleasant, SC burn injury lawyer also evaluates whether third-party claims exist against equipment manufacturers, contractors, or others whose negligence contributed to the injury.

What if a defective product caused my burn injury?

If a burn injury results from a defective product, the victim can file a product liability claim against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers. These claims proceed under strict liability, so the attorney only needs to prove the product was defective and caused the injury.

How much is my burn injury case worth?

The value of a burn injury case depends on burn severity, scarring, medical costs, lost income, impact on earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Personal injury lawyers assess each client’s circumstances to estimate potential compensation, with severe burns and permanent disability often leading to substantial awards.

What if I cannot afford medical treatment?

If a burn victim cannot afford medical treatment, attorneys can arrange care on a lien basis, where providers wait for payment until the case resolves. Some local medical professionals work with burn victims, knowing that compensation will follow.

Can I recover damages for emotional distress from my burn injuries?

Yes. Victims can recover damages for emotional distress caused by burn injuries, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Attorneys ensure claims include psychological treatment costs and compensation for mental anguish.

What if the insurance company denies my burn injury claim?

If an insurance company denies a burn injury claim, the denial is often due to incomplete information or tactics to avoid payment. Attorneys appeal denials, provide additional evidence, and file lawsuits to pursue compensation when insurers wrongfully refuse valid claims.

How long do burn injury cases take?

The duration of burn injury cases varies widely. Simple cases with clear liability may settle in months, while complex cases involving multiple defendants or disputed fault can take years. Attorneys often wait until medical conditions stabilize to ensure all future needs are accurately calculated.

Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?

Victims should not accept an insurance company’s settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Initial offers are typically far below case value, and once a release is signed, the client cannot pursue additional compensation even if medical costs increase or conditions worsen.

What if my loved one died from burn injuries?

If a loved one dies from burn injuries, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. South Carolina law allows spouses, children, or parents to recover for lost financial support, loss of companionship, medical expenses, and funeral costs when burn injuries prove fatal.

Taking the Next Step with a Mount Pleasant, SC Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries can cause intense pain and life-changing consequences. When someone’s negligence leads to these injuries, victims deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and the lasting impact burns have on daily life.

A severe burn can change a person’s life almost instantly. The emotional toll is significant, and the financial strain can feel overwhelming. Victims often struggle with questions about how to pay medical bills, return to work, or manage long-term scarring and rehabilitation.

Uncertainty about who is responsible can add even more stress when what they need most is clear guidance, support, and a path toward recovery. For Mount Pleasant residents and visitors who have suffered burn injuries due to workplace accidents, defective products, vehicle fires, or property owner negligence, our team at The Arndt Law Firm offers guidance, advocacy, and a path toward justice and recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a burn injury, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate support and experienced guidance through every step of your recovery journey. Call us today at (843) 469-8777 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing. Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone—we're here to stand by your side and advocate for your best interests. Your path to justice starts with a simple call; let’s take that step together.