More Americans are killed in fires every year than in all natural disasters combined, a sobering thought when you consider the devastation caused by tornados, ice storms, flooding and hurricanes like Katrina, In 2008 1.5 million fires burned in the U.S. taking the lives of 3,320 people and injuring another 16,705. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 84% of those killed in fires die in residential fires.
Fire is frightening and devastating. You have only to tune into the nightly news to observe the tragedy of death and destruction that follows in a fire's wake. Frightened children who die hiding under beds, heroic fathers rushing into burning homes in frantic efforts to rescue loved ones, sobbing family members devastated by loss, shattered people who have lost everything they own. The physical and emotional trauma wrought by fire is intense. Those who survive with burn injuries face months of painful recovery.
Many fire injury and fire loss claims involve negligence, defective products or product liability issues. Fires are often traced back to negligent behavior on the part of landlords or property managers, building owners and sometimes building designers or architects. Unmade or improperly made repairs, failure to maintain electrical wiring, debris and clutter blocking fire exits, volatile paints and chemicals stored in basements and other problems can spark and fuel a fire that costs residents their lives and home. Fires can be caused by defects in gas grills and electrical equipment typically used in or near homes. In winter many fires are caused by malfunctioning space heaters.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their property safe for residents and tenants. Manufacturers and distributors are responsible for the safety of their products. However, proving negligent behavior when a fire occurs can be complex. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer with expertise in fire-related personal injury litigation is critical to identifying those responsible when a fire occurs and protecting your rights.
