Home Fires Happen Every Day
When a home fire occurs, it can be sudden and terrifying. Imagine being awoken by the sound of a smoke alarm, feeling disoriented and panicked. Your immediate concern is the safety of your family and yourself. Despite efforts to prepare for such emergencies, no one can truly be fully prepared for a home fire. If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a home, building, dorm, or apartment fire, seek consultation from our experienced house fire attorneys at Gallon, Takacs, and Boissoneault. With over 65 years of expertise, we can provide the specialized legal assistance you need to recover from this tragic event.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around seven people die every day in the United States as a result of house fires. In addition, home fires cause billions of dollars in damage each year, not to mention the emotional impact on those who lose their belongings or their homes. While some fires are unavoidable, many can be prevented.
Causes of home, dorm, or apartment fires can include:
- House fire caused by defective maintenance or products
- Unattended cooking
- Unattended candles
- Christmas trees and holiday decorations
- Smoking
- Upholstered furniture
- Defective or missing smoke alarms
- Faulty Wiring
- Gas Explosions
- Smoke Detectors and Flammable Liquid
- Arson
Fires can happen anywhere and at any time, so it is important to be vigilant and take appropriate safety measures. By being aware of the most common causes of home, dorm, or apartment fires, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Some of the Most Common Injuries Include:
- Burns (ranging from first- to fourth-degree)
- Lung damage from smoke or gases
- Asphyxiation
- Death
Building Fires May Have Different Fire Code Standards
A fire can rapidly consume an entire building, leaving residents with little time to escape and increasing the risk of severe burns. Furthermore, if the building is constructed using flammable materials, the fire can spread even more quickly and fiercely. Neglecting proper maintenance of fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment can result in wrongful death or years of painful recovery from burn injuries.
Commercial buildings, such as offices, public buildings, dorms, or apartments, are subject to specific safety standards. Failure to meet these standards can render the owners legally liable. Understanding and adhering to these standards is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants.
- All buildings must meet minimal fire code standards. The builder and any inspectors should be held accountable if the structure was built without the required fire safety equipment.
- A missing or broken fire escape that keeps someone from escaping a fire can mean severe burns and smoke inhalation injuries.
- Fire doors that are missing or left open can cause a fire to expand quickly throughout a building.
- If a landlord or building owner fails to maintain smoke alarms according to law, that person should be held responsible for burn injuries. By law, a landlord cannot delegate responsibility for smoke alarm maintenance.
- A housing authority that fails to keep fire safety equipment and alarm systems in good working order can be sued for burn injuries or wrongful deaths caused by negligence.
- If a building owner fails to maintain furnaces and water heaters in good condition, the building owner is liable for damages if a fire starts and injures innocent people.
Dorm Fires
College dorms are bustling with activity and excitement as young adults embark on their higher education journey. However, amidst the newfound freedom, friendships, and responsibilities, there are hidden dangers within the dormitory walls – dorm fires. Sadly, dorm fires are more common than people realize and can result in devastating losses of lives and property damage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2020, there were over 1,300 reported fires in dormitories, fraternities, and sororities in the United States. A staggering 72% of these fires were caused by cooking equipment, often left unattended. Smoking materials, like cigarettes and lighters, accounted for 19% of dorm fires during this period and caused 34% of fatalities.
Between 2017 and 2020, electrical fires in dormitories caused 1,200 injuries and $5 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Improper use of electrical equipment, including overloaded power strips, damaged cords, and improper appliance usage, contributed significantly to these incidents.
Students must be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to prevent dorm fires.
Safety Tips for Students Living in Campus Housing from the NFPA:
– Cook only when you feel alert – not after taking medicine or drinking alcohol.
– Ensure that sprinklers are present in all on or off-campus housing.
– Install smoke alarms in sleeping rooms and living areas and interconnect them for better protection.
– Never remove or disable smoke alarm batteries.
– Test smoke alarms monthly and replace or fix them if necessary.
– Before using electrical appliances in your dorm room, consult your school’s rules for wattage restrictions.
– In off-campus housing, have at least two ways out of each room as part of an effective emergency plan.
– Never leave the kitchen or any other room while cooking.
– Learn and practice emergency evacuation plans; evacuate the building quickly if you hear an alarm and remain outside in a safe area until you have spoken with emergency personnel or the police.
Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault House Fire Attorneys Can Help You
Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home, building, or dorm can be extremely stressful. The impact can be overwhelming, whether it’s damage to your property or injuries to yourself or a loved one. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we have over 65 years of experience in handling fire cases. We are here to help you understand your rights, fight for your best interests, and ensure fair compensation.
Get started on your fire case today by contacting us. We can assist you in determining if negligence or intentional arson contributed to your fire damage, and we’ll work to secure fair compensation for your losses. Trust our experienced house fire attorneys to protect your rights. Contact us at 419-842-6663 or online today. Call us. We are here to help.
