Get Help From a Fire Accident Lawyer Near You
If you’ve been hurt by a fire, you are probably feeling hurt, exhausted, and confused. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek has been helping New Yorkers deal with the aftermath caused by someone’s negligence for more than 15 years.
Our New York fire accident lawyers have handled countless premises liability cases, and have won millions of dollars for our clients. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency basis — that means you don’t pay us unless you win a settlement.
Call today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a fire accident injury lawyer in New York City — (212) 490-5700.
Common Causes of Fire Accidents in NYC
Understanding the cause of a fire is important for obtaining compensation from the at-fault party for several reasons.
The cause of the fire may be able to establish negligence and determine liability. It can also help you calculate damages.
Some common causes of fire accidents in NYC include:
- Faulty wiring
- Defective appliances
- Landlord negligence
- Unattended cooking
- Improper use of cooking equipment
- Electrical overloads
- Smoking materials like cigarettes
- Improperly placed candles
- Heating equipment
- Overheated lithium-Ion batteries
- Arson
If you suspect someone else’s negligence caused a fire in which you were hurt, you should immediately contact a fire injury lawyer in NYC at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
We will work to determine the cause of the fire so we can hold the at-fault party accountable.
Landlord & Property Owner Responsibility in NYC
Landlords and property owners in New York City have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their tenants and visitors.
This includes following fire safety codes and maintaining safe premises. If your landlord failed to meet these obligations, they could be held accountable after a fire.
When you work with a building fire lawyer in NYC, they will carefully review the actions of your landlord or property owner to determine if they violated NYC building fire laws.
If they did, they may be held liable for your injuries in the fire accident.
Landlords & Property Owners Must Follow Fire Safety Codes
Landlords must comply with the New York City Building Code. This code specifies requirements for fire safety, including:
- Fire detection and alarm systems: Property owners must ensure that buildings are equipped with functioning smoke detectors and fire alarms.
- Fire extinguishers: Landlords must provide adequate fire extinguishers in accessible locations.
- Means of egress: Property owners must maintain clear and unobstructed exit paths from the building.
- Fireproofing materials: Property owners must use appropriate materials to prevent the spread of fire.
Property Owners Must Keep Premises Safe in NYC
Landlords and property owners are also responsible for ensuring the premises where an individual lives is safe.
They must take the following actions:
- Regular inspections: Landlords should conduct regular inspections of their properties to identify and address potential fire hazards.
- Repairing hazards: Any fire hazards, such as faulty wiring, leaking gas, or damaged equipment, should be promptly repaired.
- Preventing accumulation of debris: Clutter and debris can contribute to fire hazards and should be removed.
- Educating tenants: Landlords should educate tenants about fire safety, including proper use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
There are several situations where a landlord could be considered negligent or liable for an apartment fire, so working with a burn injury lawyer is crucial to getting the settlement you deserve.
Types of Injuries & Damages in NYC Fire Accidents
Victims of fire accidents often suffer a range of injuries, both physical and emotional. These injuries can have significant short-term and long-term consequences.
An experienced New York City burn injury lawyer can help you get compensation for your damages after a fire accident.
Common Types of Injuries in NYC Fire Accidents
Fire accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. Last year, there were more than 150 deaths in building fires in New York City.
Even a significant injury can have long-term effects that require extensive ongoing medical treatment and an inability to work.
Some of the most common types of injuries victims suffer in NYC fire accidents include:
- Burns: Burns are a common injury in fire accidents. They can range from first-degree burns (affecting the outer layer of skin) to third-degree burns (destroying the skin and underlying tissue).
- Smoke inhalation: Inhaling smoke can cause severe damage to the lungs, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and even respiratory failure.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced in fires. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to brain damage, coma, and death.
- Trauma: Injuries such as broken bones or cuts may also occur in fire accidents.
- Physical disabilities: Severe burns and smoke inhalation can result in long-term physical disabilities, such as scarring, respiratory problems, and limited mobility.
- Psychological trauma: Fire accidents can cause significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Potential Damages in an NYC Fire Accident
Your apartment fire lawyer in NYC can help you get money to pay for economic and non-economic damages after a NYC fire accident. Economic damages include out of pocket expenses and actual monetary loss. Non-economic damages include intangible losses, but often make up most of your compensation.
You can get damages for the following losses after an NYC fire accident:
- Medical bills: Victims of fire accidents often incur significant medical expenses for treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain associated with fire injuries can lead to substantial damages.
- Lost wages: If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Property damage: In addition to personal injuries, fire accidents can cause extensive property damage, leading to financial losses.
Pursuing Compensation After a Fire Accident in NYC
Pursuing compensation in a fire accident case typically involves several key steps:
- Gather Evidence: This includes collecting medical records, photographs of the damage, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
- Consult with a Lawyer: An experienced premises liability lawyer in NYC can assess your case, determine the potential value of your claim, and guide you through the legal process.
- File a Lawsuit: If negotiations with the at-fault party or their insurance company are unsuccessful, your fire damages claims lawyer may need to file a lawsuit.
- Discovery: During discovery, both parties exchange information, including documents, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Settlement Negotiations: Your fire accident attorney in New York may attempt to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company to resolve the case without going to trial.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your NYC premises liability attorney can take your case to trial, where a jury or judge will determine the outcome.
How Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. Can Help with Fire Accident Claims
Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. has extensive experience and success handling fire accident cases in NYC.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing until we help you win. Additionally, we offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by calling us.
Our negligent landlord lawyers in NYC are committed to obtaining the maximum compensation for our clients.
We will stand beside you throughout the complex legal process in New York City. Let us handle the stressful legal issues while you focus on moving forward with life.
FAQs About Fire Accident Claims in NYC
What should I do after a fire accident in NYC?
If you’re involved in a fire accident in NYC, you should prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Get out of the building and get medical attention right away.
Document the scene through photos and video, including any property damage and injuries.
Contact your insurance company and find out the information for the insurance company for the at-fault party (often your landlord or property owner).
Next, consult with a fire safety lawyer in NYC.
Who is liable for NYC fire accidents?
Determining liability in NYC fire accidents often depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
Some possible liable parties include the property owner or landlord, a tenant or roommate, a third party (such as a contractor or electrician), or a government entity.
What are my legal rights after an NYC fire accident?
If you’ve been involved in a fire accident in NYC, you have a legal right to get medical attention – even if you don’t have health insurance.
You can also investigate the situation and find out who may be at fault. To do this, you may have to hire an NYC fire accident lawyer to help you file a lawsuit.
You may have legal rights to seek compensation for your losses if someone else is to blame for the fire.
Contact an NYC Fire Accident Lawyer Today
Fire accident claims can be difficult to navigate. There are often many people represented by large law firms, and everyone may try to point the finger of blame at someone else. They may even say you are at-fault. It’s important to work with a fire accident attorney in NYC to help you stand up for your rights.
The NYC fire accident lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. offer a free consultation so you can find out if you’re eligible to get compensation. Call us today at (212) 490-5700 or reach out online.
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