Fire Accident

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Fire Accident

According to the Fire and Accident Causation Technical Services (FACTS), fire is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. There are a number of environments and circumstances in which human and property losses can be caused by fire. Humans are responsible for causing the majority of fires that cause personal injury and property damage. An individual or group that is responsible for a fire, whether by intentional acts or negligence, can be held liable for any damages, injuries, and suffering that result.

Forest fire, residential fire, motor vehicle fire, and work related fire are the most common types of fire that can do extensive personal injury and property damage. Both the federal government and individual state governments have laws regarding fire liability, and the rights of fire victims to seek compensation for their losses. Those responsible for fires may also be subject to criminal penalties if the fire was deliberately set. Intentional fires make up a surprisingly large percent of the fires that do damage to people and property.

A forest fire can burn millions of acres, take enormous resources- including manpower and exorbitant amounts of money- to contain and extinguish, and can cause considerable property damage, personal injury, and even death. Under state and federal law, any person or group who intentionally or negligently starts a forest fire can be responsible for the cost of fighting the fire and all resulting personal and property damages. If there was little or no damage caused in a forest fire, the person responsible may be cited and fined.

Half of all residential fire cases are caused by cooking, smoking, playing with fire, or intentional fires. Other causes can be defective products around the home and electrical or water heater induced fires. It is estimated that nearly 20 percent of all residential fires are started by appliances and other electrical causes. If you or a loved one has suffered losses in a residential fire, it may be wise to contact a qualified attorney who can investigate the cause of the fire to determine your legal rights and options.

Another huge cause of personal injury and property damage is motor vehicle fire. The number one cause of motor vehicle fire is “mechanical or design” defect for which a vehicle manufacturer or repairperson can be held liable. Sixty four percent of the deaths caused by vehicle fire occur after collision with another vehicle or object, thereby posing a serious threat to all those present.

Fire can also be a work related accident. Contact with chemicals, defective equipment, flammable materials, explosions, high-voltage electric lines, and other on-the-job hazards can all lead to fire related injuries and other losses. When negligence or wrongdoing was involved, a victim’s employer may be held liable for the fire related losses.

Fire can do extensive property damage and personal injury to its victims. Fire is one of the leading causes of burns in an accident. Burn injuries are often cause an extensive amount of pain and suffering, result in disability, and require long rehabilitation efforts in order to treat. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or property damage in a fire, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can help.