Causes of Fire Accidents

A fire accident is a terrifying and devastating event that can be the result of someone else’s negligence. It may result in destruction of property, severe burn injuries that cause lifelong complications and expenses including medical treatment, long-term physical therapy, loss of income and disfiguring scars. It can also result in death, especially when people are trapped inside their homes or work spaces.

There are many causes of fire accidents, including equipment or appliances that burn or cause explosions, electrical problems, smoking materials and other factors such as chemical spills or ignition sources. Studies have shown that human error is often a factor in a large number of fire accidents. Human error includes misuse of machinery, failing to report faulty machinery or even leaving cooking food unattended.

Many home fires can be prevented by being careful with heaters and fireplaces, storing combustible materials properly and installing smoke detectors. Homeowners should also be mindful of wiring in their walls and check for signs like melted or stained plastic, bare wires and plugs that don’t work correctly. If you notice any of these issues, you should have them checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by improperly working gas appliances, furnaces or generators or from burned fuel sources such as wood, oil or gasoline. Inhalation of carbon monoxide can lead to confusion, dizziness and nausea and high levels can even cause death. Carbon monoxide alarms can save lives by alerting residents to dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide.

Smoking materials, such as cigarettes or cigars, are a major cause of home fires. In addition, flammable clothing or blankets left on a sofa or chair can easily start a fire. If you have children or elderly family members living with you, it is important to teach them safety measures and to keep a fire extinguisher within reach.

Other common causes of fires include electrical failures, cooking or heating equipment malfunctioning or being poorly maintained, arson and other acts of vandalism and fire alarms not working properly. If you have experienced a fire accident due to these or other factors, TorkLaw’s knowledgeable attorneys can help guide victims through the complexities of fire damage claims and personal injury cases.

A successful resolution to your case will require thorough investigation of all aspects of your fire accident, including photos and videos, police, fire department and safety inspection reports, interviews with witnesses, firefighters and other first responders, medical and rehabilitative bills, loss of income and non-tangible losses such as pain and suffering. Our team will carefully assess your case and the damages that you are claiming and then aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and opposition lawyers to achieve maximum compensation for your claim.

A settlement from a successfully resolved fire accident claim can provide financial assistance to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as replacement of your home and personal belongings. However, it is essential that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible so that they can protect your rights and ensure that all of your damages are claimed.