Fire accidents can occur almost anywhere, and unfortunately, they can be remarkably deadly. As most people know, fire is tremendously powerful, and even a small spark can quickly transform into a raging inferno. To make matters worse, individuals who sustain injuries can find themselves permanently disabled, disfigured, or in the worst cases, dead.
If you were harmed in a fire accident, you may be thinking about your legal options. If the fire you were injured in was caused by the negligence of another person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Burn injuries are painful and expensive, and no one should have to foot the bill for an accident they did not cause.
Reach out to a DC fire accidents lawyer now for additional information. Let a compassionate personal injury attorney help you recover.
Common Causes of Fires
Both people and property can be devastated by fire accidents, which are some of the most common insurance claims. As stated above, fires are expensive, especially when lawsuits are involved. However, fires do not start themselves. Some of the most common causes of fire accidents include:
Cigarettes, cooking fires, and outdoor grills can also start fires, which can spread quickly. Depending on the nature of a fire accident, multiple parties may be legally liable.
Who is Responsible for a Fire Accident?
As previously mentioned, responsibility must be assigned in a fire accident. Often, multiple parties may be held responsible if the fire is a result of their carelessness. Depending on the extent of a fire, the following parties may be held liable after an accident:
- Arsonists – Setting a fire intentionally is an illegal act known as arson. Unfortunately, some people set fires as a form of entertainment.
- Landlords – Property owners who install faulty appliances, refuse to install sprinklers or fire alarms, do not inspect fire exits, build unsafe buildings can be held liable after an accident. This is especially true if they knew about the unsafe conditions beforehand but chose not to act or correct them.
- Product manufacturers – If a specific product, such as a cell phone or small appliance causes a fire, survivors may hold the manufacturer liable if the fire was a result of a design or production flaw.
- Public utility companies – Many explosions are caused by natural gas lines, which typically run under the ground.
With the help of a fire accidents lawyerin DC, fire survivors may be able to hold one or more the parties listed above liable for their injuries. If a person dies in a fire accident, their loved ones may hold a party liable for their death.
When a family member or spouse holds a party responsible for the death of a loved one, they can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If a wrongful death suit is successful, the family of a deceased person may receive compensation for any medical bills, burial costs, or lost wages. They may also receive compensation for a loss of companionship, future wages, and future investments.
Talk to a Washington DC Fire Accidents Attorney Today
If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a fire, you may be feeling angry and sad. Your feelings are normal, but if you want to hold a responsible party liable for your ordeal, you must act fast. Accident victims only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Talk to a DC fire accidents lawyer about your case today.