Hurt in a Fire or Explosion?

Let our Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers Help!

A fire can cause horrible and long-lasting damage to its victims. Fires spread fast and can cause burns, scarring and even death. It is important that both homeowners and employers learn fire safety at home and in the workplace. If you have been injured in a fire, you should contact a Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia personal injury lawyer to assist you in determining your rights and recovering the necessary compensation to pay for your medical bills. Information provided by Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P. is intended to inform you of the dangers associated with fires and measures you can take to avoid fire injuries.

Fires in the Home

Home fires make up approximately 23 percent of all fires. Cooking fires are the most common type of home fire. Smoking, arson and heating fires are the most common causes of residential fire deaths. Other causes of residential fires include:

• Improper wiring
• Upholstered furniture
• Gas explosions
• Flammable liquids
• Defective smoke detectors

More than half of all deaths in residential fires occur in homes that have no fire alarm. Installing a working fire alarm significantly increases the chances of surviving a fire in the home.

Fires in the Workplace

Office Fires

Arson, smoking accidents, improper wiring and defective appliances are the most common causes of office fires. Such accidents are often the fault of employees, when an employee fails to put out a smoldering cigarette or when too many cords are plugged into an outlet. To avoid office fires, employers have a responsibility to teach their employees proper fire safety procedures.

Manufacturing & Construction Fires

Fires are more common in manufacturing plants and construction sites than most other work environments because of the risk of explosions. Manufacturing and construction fires often result from:

• Explosions in petrochemical and refinery accidents
• Improper wiring that creates electrical fires
• Industrial plant accidents

Avoiding Workplace Fires

Employers within the United States are required to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. This law requires that employers do the following:

• Provide proper exits
• Maintain a fire suppression system
• Place portable fire extinguishers in the proper locations
• Create a proper Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
• Train employees to prevent fire injuries in the workplace

If an employer violates OSHA rules, it can incur penalties in addition to being held liable for any actual injuries that its employees suffer. An employee may have a cause of action against his or her employer for any of the following:

• Failure to install or maintain smoke detectors, alarms, and sprinklers
• Improper use of ignition sources
• Failure to property install electrical wiring or gas lines
• Failure to provide appropriate warnings, training, or instructions to employees
• Failure to comply with federal, state, or local safety codes

If You Have Been Injured in a Fire

If you were injured in a fire, you may be able to recover compensation to assist you in paying for your medical bills. If you would like to pursue an action against the party responsible for causing the fire, contact a Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland personal injury lawyer at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P. today to assist you during this painful time.