New Jersey Fatal Fire Injury Lawyer

Fires in apartment buildings, homes or the workplace often result in death and devastation for many families each year. In such cases, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for the loss of their loved one.

If a person dies as a result of a fire that was due to the negligence of the landlord, property management, employer or another employee, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for the loss of their loved one. Other negligent parties that may have committed safety violations resulting in a deadly fire can include smoke detector manufacturers, hotel operators, oil refineries, plants, office building managers, restaurant owners, night clubs, bars and retailers.

Every year, structural fires result in many injuries and deaths. A burning building or vehicle can emit toxic chemicals and gasses, resulting in toxic inhalation, thermal burns, smoke inhalation injuries and even death.

Below are the factors that need to be considered in determining the cause of a fire:

• Firewalls – were they properly constructed?
• Smoke alarms – were they tested and working?
• Fire equipment – was the appropriate fire safety equipment on the premises?
• Fire/building codes – was the building in compliance with applicable fire/building codes?
• Fire doors – were fire doors properly utilized?
• Fireplaces/vents – were all vents properly maintained, cleaned and working properly?
• Fire exits/escapes – were these access routes working and accessible?

Causes of fires
When employers fail to follow procedures and regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) they risk industrial accidents that result in fires, which frequently result in fatalities.

Some of the leading causes of structural fires include:

• Defective or malfunctioning furnaces
• Damaged gas lines
• Defective appliances
• Improperly installed gas lines
• Faulty electrical wiring

It is important to determine whether the actions of a third-party contributed to the fire or inhibited an occupants’ ability to escape a burning structure safely. When a third party caused the fire or the inability to fight the fire, a burn victim’s family may have a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties. Working with a burn injury lawyer can greatly improve the odds of obtaining the compensation a plaintiff needs to fully recover from his or her burn injury.

Injuries caused by fires
If a fire proves to not be fatal, serious injuries will often occur. The most common injury resulting from fires are severe burns. There are several classifications of burns that can cause scarring, disfigurement and death.

Burn Classifications:

• First degree: The outer layer of skin is burned.
• Second degree: The first and second layers of skin are burned. Blistering, pain, and scarring.
• Third degree: Three principal layers of skin are burned. Significant damage to blood vessels and muscles. Skin grafts, reconstructive surgery.
• Fourth degree: burns right through the skin into muscles and tendons, resulting in charring, extreme damage to the hypodermis. Skin grafting.
• Fifth degree: hypodermis entirely gone, ligaments, tendons, muscles, bones may be damaged.
• Sixth degree: often the bones are burnt and this is usually fatal. Survivors may require amputation.

Inhalation injuries caused by fire
Inhalation injuries account for more than half the nation’s deaths from fires. They occur when breathing in toxic smoke, gases, chemicals and particles from pollutants. While most commonly caused by smoke inhalation, many inhalation injuries occur at home and while at work – often accidentally.

The effects of inhalation injuries can be short-term or last a lifetime. Some of the more serious conditions include chest pain, headaches, breathing problems and constant coughing. Those with chronic lung or heart problems are especially susceptible to inhalation injuries. Medical diagnosis can determine the extent of inhalation injuries, but experienced legal representation might be necessary to help prove their causes, particularly when work-related.

If your loved one suffered a fatal injury from a fire that resulted from the negligence of another person or entity, contact the skillful wrongful death attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. It is crucial for you to connect with a highly experienced burn injury attorney to estimate the financial impact of your medical expenses and obtain equitable compensation for your pain and suffering.