How to Deal With a Fire Accident

A fire accident can be devastating and cause serious injuries that result in medical bills, property loss, lost wages, long-term care needs and sometimes death. If the fire accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An attorney at Shuman Legal can review your case and work to get you the highest settlement possible.

If you have been in a fire accident, call us immediately to review your case and see how we can help. Our firm specializes in workers’ comp and personal injury claims, including those resulting from burn injuries. We represent clients throughout the State of California.

The first step in a fire related accident is to evacuate the premises and get away from the scene. Do not enter the building or return until instructed to do so by emergency responders. When evacuating, stay as calm as possible and follow the escape route that is clear of smoke and flames.

Do not run or hide, this will only fan the flames and make them spread faster. Instead, drop to the ground and roll over and over until the fire is out. This also smothers the flames and protects your body from damage. If you are wearing clothing, pull it over your head and face to further protect yourself from burns.

If it is not safe to exit the building, call 999 and wait for the emergency services to arrive. Do not use elevators, they may be on fire or filled with smoke and could explode. Make sure you have a secondary escape route in case the primary one is blocked by fire or smoke. If the door handle or door is hot, do not open it. If you are trapped inside, signal to those outside with a flashlight or a cell phone that you need help. Do not open windows unless it is absolutely necessary; they may be blocked by smoke or have dangerous items in the window frame such as chemicals, electrical wires, or flammable materials.

After the fire is out, document as much of what was destroyed as possible with photos and other evidence. If there are survivors of the fire who were injured or killed, try to record their accounts. You should also make a list of all possessions that were damaged by the fire, including items that were not burned but are ruined by smoke, soot or water used to extinguish the flames.

After the fire is out and you have been able to recover, hire an experienced burn accident lawyer. They will examine the facts of your case, gather photographic and video evidence, police, fire department, and safety inspection reports. They will interview witnesses and experts as well as your medical and insurance companies. They will assess your damages which can include future expenses, past and current medical bills and lost wages and non-economic damages such as emotional distress and the loss of your quality of life.