 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. |
