What To Do When Negligence Causes A Burn Injury

When a fire breaks out and someone is burned, there are significant physical, mental, and financial consequences for the victim long after the incident occurred. These repercussions are exacerbated when the incident was due to the negligence of another party. Whether the fire was a result of unsafe work conditions or a landlord failing to meet safe living conditions, The Saade Law Firm, P.A. understands the trauma that burn victims face and will strive to ensure that all burn victims get their justice and alleviation from emotional and physical strain.

If My Apartment Catches Fire, am I Liable?

Apartment fires are complex cases to evaluate. There is, unfortunately, no clear-cut answer on whether a tenant or landlord will be held liable for a fire, and a thorough investigation must be performed whenever this occurs. Unlike homeowners, tenants often share fault with landlords, unless there is evidence of landlord negligence. Cases in which the landlord is likely to be held responsible for a fire and/or resulting harm include incorrect electrical wiring, improperly installed or absent smoke detectors, a lack of fire extinguishers, sealed or blocked off fire exits, and overcrowding a building. While landlords are not responsible for accidental fires caused by tenants like cooking, candles, or smoking, they are liable for improper safety equipment and exits. If the landlord failed to keep the building up to habitable standards or in line with fire codes and knew there was potential for a fire, they may be held responsible for the fire.

If a person is injured or burned in an apartment fire caused by another's negligence, the injured party should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, it is crucial to keep documents and pictures of medical bills, fire inspector reports, and any belongings that were compromised in the fire. Due to the case-by-case, highly sensitive nature of burn injuries, contacting the attorneys at The Saade Law Firm, P.A. will allow a professional to begin building a case and ensure each injured party is gathering the right evidence in order to ensure they are adequately compensated for their injuries..

Burns in the Workplace

Work-related burn injuries can be the result of open fires, chemicals, hot surfaces, and faulty electrical equipment. Certain occupations have an inherently higher risk of burns like construction contractors, electricians, and mechanics. Workplace burns are treated differently than apartment fire burns in that victims may apply for worker’s compensation. It is crucial for employees to report burns in the workplace immediately after the incident occurs so employers may assist with receiving medical attention, and ensure that the injury is documented to have occurred in the workplace. Depending on the degree and severity of the burn, worker’s compensation burn settlements can cover a large percentage of the medical and therapy bills and other out-of-pocket expenses for the victim. When a burn is severe and thus deserves a higher payout, dealing with insurance companies can feel complex and deceiving. Working with an experienced injury attorney allows the victim to receive the maximum amount of benefits they deserve.

At The Saade Law Firm, P.A., our attorneys have significant experience working with insurance companies, using processes led by research skills, knowledge of the law, and a desire for ethics and justice for victims. Burn victims face significant trauma and daily challenges after an incident, and when their suffering is the result of another party's negligence, we want to take the weight of liability, legalities, and damages off their shoulders. Contact our office today to learn more about how our attorneys can aid victims in building strong fire and burn injury cases.