-
What to Do If You Have Been Involved in a Fire Accident
Fire accidents can cause major damage to your property and personal health. They can also result in a long-term loss of income and ongoing expenses. If you have suffered losses as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced burn accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
When a fire accident happens, it can be devastating to you and your family. Survivors may face extensive losses, including a loss of their home and all of the belongings they had in it, financial struggles to keep up with mortgage payments or rental payments while they rebuild, ongoing medical treatment, and emotional trauma from the event. This can be particularly difficult for a victim who is recovering from severe burn injuries and has a very lengthy recovery ahead of them.
Fire accidents happen in all types of settings, from homes to businesses. Generally, they are caused by human error such as overheating of machinery or spilling flammable materials. However, they can also be caused by natural causes such as lightning or electrical issues.
In a home fire accident, you should always make sure that you and your family are safe before exiting the house. Immediately after the fire, you should check for smoke and heat in every room before exiting. If you notice any signs of smoke, stay low and crawl to an exit, or use the window instead. You should also check for any downed power lines or wires and stay away from them, as they are a potential danger.
You should also contact your insurance agent after the fire to begin the claims process. It is important to document everything that was lost in the fire, and you should save receipts for all items purchased to replace those that were destroyed. If you are able to get an advance from your insurance agency to help you cover expenses, it is important to track spending so that you can provide a full accounting of all losses when filing your claim.
It is also a good idea to take pictures of all the damaged items and the scene of the accident after it has ended, as this can be very useful in your case. You should keep all documentation organized and easily accessible, both physically and digitally, so that you can access it when needed.
If you have been injured in a fire accident, you should contact an experienced burn injury lawyer at Shuman Legal(r) as soon as possible to discuss your case. We can assist with all aspects of your claim, from initial investigation and assessment to obtaining the maximum settlement possible for your damages. You can contact us at a time that works best for you by using our convenient online contact form or by calling (713) 529-9300. If you are unable to come to our office, we can also arrange a home visit at your convenience.