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Explosions and fires often lead to devastating injuries and even death. Unfortunately, both events are far too common across NYC.
In 2023 alone, almost 24,000 structural fires occurred across New York City. Explosions happen practically daily, especially manhole explosions, which occur when heat, gas, and pressure build up in manholes.
Are you the victim of an explosion or fire accident? Our experienced fire accident lawyers at William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C., can help you seek fair compensation. Schedule a free case review with a New York fire accident lawyer today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Explosions and fires are devastating events that occur when the conditions are just right. They typically require oxygen, heat, and fuel to start. In the case of explosions, they typically need an additional element — a chemical reaction — to occur.
But what actually causes fires and explosions in NYC? They often happen on construction sites that use electrical tools and contain combustible materials. However, they can also occur on virtually any residential or commercial property.
A few prevalent causes of housefires include:
Meanwhile, fires on commercial properties commonly start from:
Explosions are less common than fires, but when they do occur, they often lead to severe injuries. These may happen on construction sites or other properties due to:
If the fire or explosion that injured you was due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. Contact our fire accident lawyer in NYC for a legal consultation.
Are you interested in pursuing compensation after an explosion or fire accident? Our attorneys can help you determine whether you qualify for any of the following types of claims.
Premises liability claims hold a property owner liable for an accident that occurred on their premises. If you experienced injuries after an explosion or fire on another person’s property, the owner may be financially responsible for your injuries and other expenses.
Your attorney would need to help you prove that the property owner was aware or reasonably should have been aware of the hazard that caused the fire yet failed to mitigate it. Property owners owe a duty of care to those they invite onto their premises or permit to be there without an express invitation. If you fall into one of these two categories, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
Did your burn injury happen while you were working on a construction site or otherwise completing your job duties? You more than likely qualify for workers’ compensation.
Virtually all employers must offer workers’ compensation coverage in New York. This benefit covers accidents that occur while an employee is completing their job duties, regardless of whose fault the accident was.
However, talk to your fire accident lawyer before filing for workers’ compensation. Claiming this benefit bars you from holding your employer directly liable for the accident.
If they were responsible — such as if they violated OSHA guidelines — you may gain more compensation through a lawsuit than a workers’ compensation claim. Employers must understand basic fire safety guidelines and follow them precisely to keep their employees safe.
The manufacturer may be liable if equipment, machinery, or another type of product malfunctioned and caused an explosion or fire. You could seek financial compensation through a product liability claim.
Product manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products work exactly as intended and that the label clearly describes any safety hazards for the consumer’s awareness. Failing to do so leaves them liable for injuries that occur.
New York follows a strict liability policy for product claims. This means manufacturers are liable for defective products even if they did not act negligently. Your explosion accident lawyer can help you understand how to proceed.
If you and your fire accident lawyer can identify a person or party whose negligence caused the accident, you can likely hold them liable through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, even if your case does not meet one of the definitions above. A general personal injury claim must include the following elements:
The amount and types of compensation you can seek after an explosion or fire accident depend on the type of claim you are filing.
If you are seeking compensation through an insurance claim, you will likely qualify for funds to cover your medical bills and other direct expenses from the accident, such as:
Workers’ compensation only covers two main expenses: medical bills and lost wages.
You’ll likely need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party to maximize your compensation after a fire or explosion. Through a lawsuit, you can seek the economic expenses above along with non-economic damages like:
If the person who caused the fire or explosion acted recklessly, you may qualify for punitive damages. These come directly from the defendant’s bank account to punish them for wrongful behavior.
Talk to our fire accident lawyers about the smartest route to seek compensation after your fire.
Explosions and fire accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, and unfortunately, as many as eight people die for every 1,000 reported home fires. If an explosion or fire left you with serious injuries or led to the death of a loved one, William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C., can help.
Our workplace injury attorney can help you navigate your claim for compensation and represent you in court if necessary. You can focus on your recovery or grieving your loved one’s death while we fight for you.
Contact us today at 212-683-3800 for your free case evaluation. We are available 24/7.
The statute of limitations for a fire accident lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the accident date; meanwhile, the time limit for wrongful death is two years from the date of death. Be sure to consult your fire accident lawyer about the statute of limitations that applies to your case.
The major causes of fire accidents include electrical malfunctions, candle misuse, and cooking accidents. The proper fire prevention measures can sometimes mitigate these incidents. If the property owner or another responsible party failed to prevent the fire, they may owe you compensation.
A fire accident lawyer in NYC can help you gather evidence to support your claim, communicate with the negligent party and their insurance company on your behalf, negotiate for a higher payout, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial. At William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C., we’re dedicated to taking the stress of your accident case off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.
