Fire Damage to Properties and People

We have all seen fire trucks passing by us at high speed, their sirens on. We have probably stared at them with great concern. Just thinking about a fire and the possible losses—human and material—can easily make us get goosebumps. But, unfortunately, according to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the United States respond to a fire alarm every 24 seconds.

Fires not only cause monetary losses in terms of properties, homes, and businesses; they also leave behind physical and emotional injuries and, sadly, human casualties. Fire damage is among the top five insurance companies’ claims, proving to be the most expensive one, and this becomes even more so when a lawsuit is filed.

Fires can occur due to a person’s negligence, poor maintenance of facilities, or even because they are intentionally provoked. Fire complaints usually mention the following causes:

• Fire due to gas leaks causing an explosion
• Fires due to electrical equipment that has faulty wiring
• Fires due to poor installation of some equipment both at home and in a business (ovens, water heaters, machinery, etc.)
• Fire due to mishandling and storage of dangerous chemical substances, among others.

 

The causes of a fire can be very diverse and can also range from an accident in the kitchen, not putting out a cigarette well, making bonfires in forest places, or even lightning striking a tree. With so many causes, determining liability can be complex, and even multiple people can be held responsible for a fire.

 

In any situation, it is vital to consult an attorney who can advise you as to whether it is possible to file a claim for damages. As with other personal injury situations, the amount and considerations for compensation vary from state to state. However, the vast majority of them tend to cover the following:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Present and future income losses
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Death

 

A fire claim can be a very challenging process, so you will want to have an experienced attorney by your side and not go through it alone. A situation like this is already too devastating, and you will need all the support you can get.