Two police officers and firefighters were injured after attempting to put out a three-home fire in New York. They were able to rescue one victim who was inside one of the burning homes. The officers suffered burn injuries in addition to other injuries, including smoke inhalation. Law enforcement officers are still investigating the cause of the fire.
House fires are one of the most common causes of burn injuries in New York. If you or your loved one has suffered a burn injury in a house fire, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Individuals or businesses whose negligence causes house fires are liable for the injuries that result from them.
Proving Liability After a House Fire
Gas or fire explosions can cause significant bodily injuries and property damage. If you have suffered a burn injury in a house fire, it is imperative that you hire an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to thoroughly investigate your claim and gather evidence that proves that the negligent party is at fault for your injuries. Many different types of negligence can result in a house fire, such as:
- Badly maintained wiring by the property owner
- Dangerous practices used by the gas company
- The use of unsafe boilers
- Negligent maintenance of your boiler
- Negligent maintenance of your electrical wiring
- Failure to properly use a fire shield
- Dangerous electrical outlets
Seeking Compensation Through an Insurance Claim After a Burn Injury
Many burn injury victims first look to the negligent party’s insurance policy to seek compensation. For example, if you became burned in an apartment fire caused by your landlord’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through your landlord’s commercial property insurance. You need a skilled lawyer on your side when submitting an insurance policy claim because insurance companies are notorious for offering low-value settlements.
Insurance companies also use any statement in which the victim admits fault as a means to deny coverage. At Pulvers Thompson, our New York City lawyers have extensive experience negotiating assertively with insurance companies to secure our clients the most compensation possible.
Damages Available for Burn Injuries
When insurance compensation is not available, burn injury victims have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. When another person or businesses’ negligent or intentional conduct caused the fire, the victims have a right to sue them for the costs associated with their bodily injuries and property damage. Successful plaintiffs are entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
When a loved one dies in a house fire, the surviving spouse can sue for loss of consortium. Additionally, when the defendant acted recklessly or egregiously, the victim may be entitled to punitive damages. If you have suffered a burn injury caused by another person’s injuries, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Contact Pulvers Thompson as soon as possible to schedule your free initial consultation.
