For many, being burned in a fire is one of the worst things imaginable. Severe burns can require weeks of around-the-clock care, and even then, they may cause life-altering disfigurement and disability.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their visitors safe. If a property owner or manager’s negligence contributed to the fire that caused your injury, a fire accident attorney at Louisville Injury Law Firm may be able to help you recover the financial support you need.
Common Injuries From Fire Accidents in Louisville
Fire accidents are often highly destructive and can cause numerous types of injuries that are in some cases lifelong or even fatal.
Burns
Burns are, unsurprisingly, one of the most common injuries from a fire accident, and they are frequently the most devastating. There are three levels of burn injuries, including:
- First-Degree: Affects the outer layer of skin
- Second-Degree: Affects the outer layer and underlying layers
- Third-Degree: Affects all layers of skin and sometimes muscle, tendons, and other tissues
Burns are excruciatingly painful. And because the skin protects the body from pathogens, burn injuries dramatically increase the likelihood of serious infections. Some victims of serious burns may develop sepsis and organ failure.
Respiratory Injuries
Respiratory injuries sustained in a fire are often classified as smoke inhalation injuries, which can damage the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and the rest of the respiratory system. They may also cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs and make it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs.
Injuries From Explosions and Debris
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might also be injured in an explosion. Injuries from explosions (known as “blast injuries”) can be complex and may include penetrating injuries from debris and traumatic brain injuries as a result of being thrown by the blast.
Emotional Trauma
Being caught in a fire is a life-threatening experience. As such, it may cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional hardships that can seriously impact your quality of life.
Examples of Accidental Fires
Fires can occur in many ways. The following are a few of the most common scenarios:
House Fires and Apartment Fires
House fires and apartment fires can cause significant damage to structures and serious injuries to people if they aren’t brought under control quickly. They have a number of potential causes, including:
- Cooking mishaps
- Smoking in the home
- Leaving burning candles unattended
- Bad wiring and other electrical issues
- Problems with space heaters and other heating equipment
Determining the cause of a house or apartment fire in Louisville is often a complex task that may involve an investigation by the Louisville Fire Department.
Workplace Fires
Some workplaces, like restaurants and laboratories that handle flammable liquids, may be more prone to accidental fires than others. Depending on the layout of the site and the number of emergency exits, it may be difficult to evacuate.
Vehicle Fires
It’s not unusual for a car to catch fire after a major accident. Electrical problems, overheating engines, and issues with the fuel system can increase the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Public Space Fires
The most likely causes of fires in public spaces depend on the location. For example, fires in parks and other outdoor areas may be caused by campfires or smoking during dry seasons. Meanwhile, a fire in a library is more likely to be due to worn or faulty wiring.
Who Is Liable for a Fire Accident?
Just as there are many potential causes of fires, there are also many potentially liable parties.
The skilled team at Louisville Injury Law Firm can investigate the cause of any fire to hold the right parties accountable for victims’ injuries. Depending on the circumstances, our fire accident lawyers may be able to help you file a lawsuit against one or more of the following parties:
Property Owners
Whether renting out a property or simply having guests over, property owners are responsible for making sure their properties are safe. If they fail in that duty, they may be legally liable.
For instance, imagine that a landlord rents a run-down house to you. The electrical wiring has been damaged by pests and, as a result, the house catches fire. Because the landlord is responsible for verifying that the building is fit for habitation, a fire accident attorney in Louisville may be able to successfully pursue a lawsuit against them.
Property Occupants
Property owners aren’t automatically at fault for any fire that occurs on their premises—sometimes, an occupant may be directly responsible. For example, if an apartment complex bans smoking indoors and a tenant’s lit cigarette starts a fire, the tenant may bear the consequences.
Employers
Your employer is responsible for maintaining safe working conditions. If a hazard in the workplace leads to a fire accident, your company may be liable.
Contractors
If a contractor’s work directly causes a fire, they may be on the hook for any resulting injuries. For instance, if a contractor installs electrical wiring incorrectly and a blaze erupts, a fire injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim to cover your medical costs and other expenses.
Product Manufacturers
Manufacturers of appliances and other consumer products are expected to confirm that they’re safe. If your house catches on fire because of a defective appliance, you may be able to take legal action against the manufacturer, the seller, or both.
Were You Injured in a Fire in Louisville? Consult Our Fire Accident Attorney
Burn injuries have the potential to completely upend your life. If you’ve suffered any kind of serious injury in a fire, it’s highly recommended that you contact a fire accident attorney in Louisville as soon as you can.
At Louisville Injury Law Firm, we take pride in helping injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve. Our team can investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether you have a viable case. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.