Augusta Burn Injury Lawyer

Are you or a loved one facing an agonizing burn injury caused by another’s negligence? You don’t have to bear the consequences alone with M. Austin Jackson as your legal advocate.

For more than a decade, burn accident victims throughout Georgia and South Carolina have trusted M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law to hold negligent parties accountable. We pursue justice for those whose lives have been changed by catastrophic burn injuries.

Our local attorneys specialize in both traditional and chemical burn cases. We’ll guide you through the complex legal process to secure compensation for your pain and suffering and for what comes next.

Fill out the form to schedule your free consultation with M. Austin Jackson, or call 706-981-9286 to explore your legal options.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Name(Required)
Permission to contact(Required)

What are Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries are a type of tissue damage caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. They can cause severe physical and emotional trauma for victims. Even after skin grafts and surgeries, many victims are left with scarring, disfigurement, and crippling pain.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in or near Augusta, we recommend consulting with the burn experts at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center, a nationally recognized leader in burn research and treatment.

According to the American Burn Association, 73% of burns occur in the home. In the workplace, more than 5,000 burn injuries occur annually in the United States from work-related fires and explosions. The manufacturing, construction, food service, electrical, and chemical processing industries report the highest number of burn injuries.

Medical professionals classify burns based on the severity and depth of tissue damage, regardless of what caused the burn.

  • First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and cause redness, minor swelling, and pain. Healing typically occurs within 3-5 days without scarring.
  • Second-degree burns: Damage both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis. These painful burns, which may result in scarring, often cause blistering and can take 2-3 weeks to heal.
  • Third-degree burns: Destroy the epidermis and dermis and sometimes affect deeper tissues. These burns often require skin grafting to heal.
  • Fourth-degree burns: Extend beyond the skin into fat, muscle, and bone. These burns are severe and often life-threatening.
Experienced Team

We understand the challenges burn injury victims and their loved ones face, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.

Augusta Local

Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.

If you or a loved one have sustained a burn injury, contact M. Austin Jackson today for a free consultation.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries have various causes and present different challenges for victims. Knowing the type of burn you’re dealing with will help you get the right medical treatment and guide you on your path to legal compensation.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury. These injuries result from contact with heat sources including fire, scalding liquids, steam, or hot objects. This includes household incidents (cooking with hot cookware), workplace hazards (working with high-temperature equipment), fire-related injuries (being involved in a structure fire), and vehicle accidents.

The severity of a victim’s injuries depends on the temperature of the heat source and the duration of contact.

Chemical Burns

These burns result from contact with corrosive substances like acids, bases, and industrial chemicals. Unlike thermal burns, chemical burns can continue causing damage until the agent is removed or neutralized. Some chemical burns, like those from alkaline substances, may not show immediate symptoms but can cause progressive tissue damage.

If you’ve suffered a chemical burn, you may need a specialized treatment that requires specific neutralizing agents and decontamination procedures.

Electrical Burns

When electric current passes through the body, electrical burns occur. Burns are often more severe than they appear on the surface—electric current can cause significant internal tissue damage.

The most common causes of electrical burns are workplace hazards, high-voltage exposure, and household incidents.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns result from radiation exposure. Workers in nuclear facilities who handle radioactive materials are at risk. Those seeking radiation therapy for cancer treatment can also sustain skin burns.

Friction Burns

These burns result from skin abrasion caused by mechanical force. This can occur during industrial accidents when skin comes into contact with moving machinery parts or conveyor belts. In vehicle accidents, ‘road rash’ from motorcycle or bicycle accidents is a common type of friction burn.

Though friction burns are usually less serious than other burn types, they’re still painful and prone to infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Burn Injuries

Not all burn injuries show immediate symptoms. Injuries like chemical burns can have delayed or progressive effects that complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Thermal Burns

  • Redness and swelling of the affected area
  • Blistering of the skin
  • Peeling or shedding of the outer layer of skin
  • Charred or blackened skin (in severe cases)
  • White or waxy skin appearance (in deep burns)

Symptoms of Chemical Burns

  • Redness, irritation, or burning sensation
  • Pain or numbness
  • Blisters or black, dead skin at the contact site
  • Progressive tissue damage (if the chemical isn’t neutralized or removed)

Symptoms of Electrical Burns

  • Entry and exit wounds where current entered and left the body
  • Muscle pain and contractions
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Internal damage not visible on the surface

Symptoms of Radiation Burns

  • Redness and skin swelling
  • Itching and burning
  • Skin peeling or flaking
  • Delayed onset of symptoms

Always seek immediate medical attention for burn injuries, especially if your injury is severe or covers a large portion of your body. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Augusta

M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law has extensive experience handling burn injury cases in Augusta and surrounding areas. Our firm is well-versed in the most common causes of burn injuries in the area. This knowledge allows us to successfully advocate for burn injury victims and their families and pursue maximum compensation.

Industrial Accidents

Augusta’s industrial sector includes manufacturing plants and chemical facilities that present risks for workplace burn injuries. Workers risk exposure to hot machinery and equipment, chemical spills and splashes, and explosions or fires.

We understand local industry safety standards and regulations. Our skilled attorneys know how to effectively investigate potential negligence or safety violations in these cases.

Chemical Spills

Since Augusta has an industrial presence, residents may experience chemical burns outside of the workplace. Transportation accidents and improper storage or disposal of chemicals can release hazardous materials into the environment.

M. Austin Jackson has a thorough understanding of chemical handling regulations that help our firm determine liability in burn injuries.

Workplace Exposure

Workplace burns are common in Augusta-area businesses. In restaurant and food service businesses, burns from hot liquids and surfaces are common. Construction site accidents involving electrical burns or hot materials are also prevalent.

M. Austin Jackson and his team can determine if employers failed to provide proper safety equipment or training in burn cases.

Residential Fires

House fires are a major source of burn injuries in Augusta. Our personal injury firm handles cases involving faulty electrical wiring, defective smoke detectors, and negligent property management.

Car Accidents

Vehicle crashes can lead to severe burns. Victims may suffer burns from airbag deployment, contact with hot engine parts, and fuel fires. Our deep knowledge of local roads and traffic patterns strengthens our ability to investigate these cases.

Defective Products

When consumer products malfunction, burn injuries are common. M. Austin Jackson has handled cases involving faulty appliances, defective electronics that overheat, and flammable clothing and fabrics.

If you’re unsure whether you have a burn injury claim, contact M. Austin Jackson. Our experienced Augusta attorneys can help you carefully evaluate your options and determine what damages you may be able to pursue.

How to Prove Your Burn Injury Claim

To prove a burn injury claim, you must establish negligence. This means:

  • The defendant owed you a duty of care
  • The defendant breached this duty through action or inaction
  • The breach directly caused your burn injury
  • You suffered damages as a result

As your attorney, M. Austin Jackson gathers evidence of safety violations that contributed to your burn injury. This often involves reviewing workplace safety records and inspection reports and analyzing compliance with OSHA regulations. From our investigation, we can establish a pattern of negligence or disregard for employee safety.

We also gather expert testimony. Medical specialists can explain the severity and impact of your burns, and we may also contact other professionals like occupational safety experts, product specialists, and engineers to strengthen your case.

One of the most important aspects of your case is proving causation. Our firm reconstructs the accident scene, analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses to create a direct link between the defendant’s negligence and your injuries.

Throughout the process, our familiarity with Augusta’s industries, local regulations, and court systems help us tailor our approach to your case. You have the right to hold negligent parties accountable—not only for the effects you’re experiencing now but for the challenges you’ll face in the future.

M. Austin Jackson will defend that right with tenacity and compassion.

What Compensation Can Burn Injury Victims Recover in Georgia and South Carolina?

Burn injuries cause excruciating pain and emotional distress. Medical debt, lost income, and disruption to your daily life can make the pain even worse.

At M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law, we take a comprehensive approach to exploring and pursuing all areas of compensation. Beyond the pain you’re experiencing, your life may be forever changed as a result of your injuries.

Common types of compensation in burn injury cases include:

  • Medical treatment
    • Emergency care and hospitalization
    • Wound care and infection prevention
    • Medication for pain management
  • Reconstructive surgery
    • Skin grafts and tissue expansion procedures
    • Scar revision surgeries
    • Cosmetic surgeries to improve appearance
    • Surgeries to restore mobility
  • Rehabilitation costs
    • Physical therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Speech therapy (if burns affect the face or throat)
    • Psychological counseling
    • Medical device fees
  • Lost wages (including future wages if you are disabled)
  • Pain and suffering

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be able to pursue punitive damages. For example, if your employer knowingly violated safety regulations or if someone’s intentional acts led to your burn injuries.

We’re Augusta-area residents who know the local courts and laws regarding burn injury compensation. As your attorney, we’ll fight for a fair settlement that addresses your immediate needs and the long-term consequences of your injuries.

About
M. Austin Jackson

M. Austin Jackson has built a reputation as one of Augusta’s leading personal injury attorneys. For over a decade, he’s fiercely protected the rights of his injured Georgia and South Carolina neighbors, including those involved in complex burn injury cases. Austin has a proven record of securing million-dollar-plus settlements, and as an Augusta native, he has deep roots in the Aiken-Augusta community.

Although he has experience securing major settlements, his practice isn’t built on million-dollar cases. He’s as honored to help victims in cases involving minor injuries as he is working on catastrophic cases. He’s familiar with the specifics of both traditional and chemical burn cases, whether you’re injured at home or on the job.

Though you might meet Austin during one of the most challenging periods of your life, he strives to make every interaction a positive one. Clients call Austin when they need a determined legal advocate known for his unparalleled client care, compassion, and deep commitment to ethical practices. He will help you navigate this difficult time and fight for your recovery.

Learn More

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

How an Augusta Burn Injury Attorney Can Help

Dealing with the effects of a burn injury can feel overwhelming and isolating. As your attorney, M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law, is here to help you find stability again.

Here are just a few of the ways we support you throughout the legal process:

  • Incident investigation: We gather and preserve critical evidence before it’s altered or destroyed, working with investigators and safety experts to determine cause and liability.
  • Negotiating with the insurance company: We handle all communication with insurance companies. Our firm has experience aggressively negotiating for fair settlement offers, and we counter lowball offers with evidence-based arguments.
  • Representing you in court: If we’re unable to settle your case through negotiations, M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law will present your case before a judge and jury.

For more than a decade, our firm has represented cases involving immediate trauma and long-term exposure. We understand the nuances of these cases and how to navigate the law.

While we can’t erase the pain of your injury, we can fight for the fair compensation you need to move forward.

How to Choose the Right Burn Injury Attorney in Georgia or South Carolina

Burn injuries are often complex. You need an attorney with experience in these cases.

Here are some key factors to consider when exploring your options:

Experience

  • Does the attorney have direct experience handling burn injury cases?
  • What settlements and verdicts have they secured for burn victims?
  • Do they understand the legal aspects of these cases?
  • Can they distinguish the different types and degrees of burns, and do they understand how to value both short-term and long-term damages?

Relationships with Medical Experts

  • Do they have connections to burn specialists, plastic surgeons, rehabilitation professionals, and mental health professionals specializing in trauma?

Understanding of a Burn Injury’s Unique Circumstances

  • Can they conduct a thorough investigation of how the burn occurred?
  • Do they get to know you and your family to understand the full impact of the injury?
  • Can they explain how your specific circumstances may impact the value of your claim?

Personalized Attention

  • Does your attorney keep you informed throughout the process and respond to your calls and questions?
  • Are they understanding and supportive?

M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law takes pride in representing burn victims. Our compassion and understanding of the law have helped them persevere through some of life’s darkest times.

As a local law firm, we think of our Georgia and South Carolina clients as our neighbors. You can expect to be heard, valued, and respected when you work with us. We’ll leave nothing to chance when settling your case.

Why Choose
M. Austin Jackson Injury Lawyers?

  • We have more than a decade of personal injury expertise and specialize in burn injuries of varying complexity.
  • We have a record of success and have recovered millions for our clients, including several multi-million dollar cases.
  • We have extensive experience representing our Georgia and South Carolina neighbors who have sustained burn injuries.
  • We live where we work and are deeply rooted in the Aiken-Augusta community, so we know state laws and local courts like the back of our hand.
  • We don’t get paid unless you receive a financial recovery.

Burn Injury FAQs

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

Georgia residents who’ve suffered burn injuries have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim seeking damages for their injuries. In South Carolina, you’ll typically have three years.

What if my chemical burn symptoms develop gradually?

It’s not uncommon for chemical burn symptoms to appear gradually rather than appearing immediately after exposure. A delayed reaction can be deceptive and sometimes more harmful. Certain chemicals continue to cause damage until they are neutralized or removed.

Even if your symptoms seem minor, have a healthcare professional assess your burn. Identify the chemical you were exposed to and the length of exposure. Monitor your symptoms and seek emergency treatment if you have difficulty breathing, dizziness or weakness, or changes in heart rate.

Can I still work while recovering from a burn injury?

Your ability to work and perform daily activities depends on the severity of your injury. Burns can impact your mobility and stamina, so it’s important to communicate your limitations clearly to your employer. You should also follow recommendations from your healthcare provider.

To transition back to work successfully, you’ll want to work closely with your medical team, employer, and rehabilitation specialists.

How are burn injury settlements typically calculated?

Burn injury settlements depend on multiple factors:

  • The severity of the burn
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of earning capacity

However, this isn’t a comprehensive list. Your burn injury attorney can more accurately assess the value of your claim.

Contact Our Augusta Burn Injury Lawyers

Your story matters to us, and we’ll do everything we can to support you along your journey to recovery. Reach out to M. Austin Jackson for local legal representation with a personal touch.