According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home heating, electrical distribution, and lighting are among the major contributors of fires each year. In addition to property damage, fires can also cause life-changing injuries.
If an injury occurs as a result of a fire, it is possible the property owner where the fire began could be at fault for negligence. If this is the case, you may be eligible for a premises liability claim. The process to proving negligence and filing a claim can be complex, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. The York, Hanover and Gettysburg personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine are sharing information on premises liability and fires to shed light on this complex area of the law.
What is a Premises Liability Claim?
A premises liability claim is when an individual states that their personal injuries were sustained due to an unsafe or defective condition on someone else’s property. When a premises liability claim is filed for negligence, this means that the property owner failed to use reasonable care when maintaining the safety of their property.
Examples of Negligence
In some instances, it can be hard to prove that a property fire was due to negligence. Therefore, it is important to get a personal injury attorney on your side who can guide you through the process. If a fire is started for one of the following reasons, it may be considered negligence.
- Open Flames. If a homeowner forgets to put out a candle, cigarette, or fireplace before leaving their home and it starts a fire, this may be considered negligence.
- Electrical Malfunctions. If a heater, outlet, or other appliance catches on fire due to poor maintenance, the homeowner may be at fault.
- Unsafe Cooking Practices. If a homeowner falls asleep or leaves their home with the stove or oven on and it starts a fire, this may be considered negligence.
Fire Injuries
When individuals think of fire injuries, burns are usually the first thing to come to mind. However, smoke inhalation and oxygen-depleted air can also lead to serious injuries or death.
- There are varying degrees of burns that range from an injury comparable to sunburn, to one that chars muscle, tissue and bone. There are major risks associated with any burn. If you received a burn due to someone else’s carelessness, contact us to get an experienced attorney on your side.
- Respiratory Injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, breathing injuries are the number one cause of death in U.S. house fires. A burning fire decreases the amount of oxygen in the air, which can lead to suffocation. The smoke from a fire also consists of a variety of toxins and particles that can permanently damage the respiratory system.
Having an Experienced Attorney on Your Side
At Dale E. Anstine Personal Injury Law Firm, your injury is our fight. If you or a loved one is involved in a fire that resulted in an injury reach out to get a specialized attorney on your side who has a full understanding of the complexities of fire injuries and premises liability claims. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7 and there’s no fee unless we win for you.