Filing a Lawsuit After an Injury or Death Caused by a Fire

 Posted on February 06,2023 in Car Accidents

Fires may seem like one of those disasters which is unlikely to ever happen to you, but the sad truth is that nearly 4,000 people die in house fires every year and several thousand more are severely injured. Fires in homes, restaurants, stores, apartments, and other buildings can start quietly, spread quickly, and rapidly engulf an entire structure before occupants have time to get out. Young and old people are at the greatest likelihood of being injured or killed in a fire, but fires claim the lives of people of all ages, as well as the brave men and women who try to put them out. 

If you recently lost a loved one or were seriously injured in a fire, you may be wondering what caused the blaze and, if it was another person or company, whether you can take legal action against them to seek compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a fire this winter, speak to an Illinois personal injury lawyer. We may be able to help. 

What Causes Fires? 

The most important part of a personal injury lawsuit is establishing that, through their negligent actions, someone who owed you a standard of care caused your injury or loss. In the case of a fire, this can require careful outside investigation to determine who is responsible and to what extent their actions caused your injuries. For example, if you fell asleep smoking a cigarette that caught your sofa on fire, you would likely be responsible for your own injuries; but if it was your downstairs neighbor, they or their insurance policy may be liable. If you live in an apartment complex, your landlord may be responsible for any losses. 

Fires can happen for many reasons, including: 

• Faulty wiring of appliances and outlets (this is the single most common cause of house fires) 

• Space heaters and other heating devices, like fireplaces and wood stoves 

• Dropped cigarettes 

• Young children playing with matches, candles, or other sources of fire

• Gas fires started during cooking or frying 

• Arson 

Many fires start at night and catch the occupants unaware. Tragically, fire produces significant amounts of substances that can make people feel drowsy or unalert - smoke, fumes, and gasses can confuse home occupants, leading them to make dangerous choices that they would not make in clear air. Additionally, the smoke from a fire can quickly make a house so dark that it is impossible to see, even if the lights are on. 

Call a Rockford, IL Fire Injury Lawyer

If you or your family members have been injured in a fire, an experienced Winnebago County personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover compensation from the person or company responsible. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law today at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires