NYC Personal Injury Lawyer » Premises Liability » Apartment Fires

Apartment Fires

Apartment fires can be devastating for residents. Building fires can cause families to lose everything they own. Even with the quick response of the FDNY, residential fires can destroy an entire building. 

The New York City premises liability lawyers of the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers represent families who have been injured or lost property in an apartment fire. We can help you recover compensation for losses after a fire, from property damage and medical bills to pain and suffering and wrongful death. 

Contact our law office at (212) 564-2800 to schedule a free consultation with one of our New York City personal injury lawyers to explore your legal rights after an apartment fire.

How Our New York City Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help You After an Apartment Fire

Your apartment fire may have been the result of negligence or intentional wrongdoing. If so, the responsible parties could be liable for the damages and injuries caused by the apartment fire. However, you have the burden of proving negligence before you can recover compensation for damages.

When you hire the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your case, you can expect our legal team to:

• Analyze the facts of your case to determine if one or more parties are liable for your damages
• Collect evidence and monitor the investigation by the fire department and other government agencies
• Work with you to document your damages and calculate the value of your claim
• Retain expert witnesses, when necessary, to assist with your claim
• Monitor the New York statute of limitations for deadlines to file claims and lawsuits
• Provide guidance and support throughout your case

What happened to you and your family is tragic. We want you to receive justice. Reach out to our law firm online or by telephone to schedule a free consultation with an experienced apartment fire claims attorney in New York City.

Common Causes of Apartment Fires in New York City 

Apartment fires may result from mistakes, negligence, or intentional acts. Identifying the cause of the apartment fire is essential in a personal injury case. The cause of the fire generally leads our legal team to the party or parties responsible for your damages.

Common causes of apartment fires include:

• Improper use or defective space heaters
• Failing to have or follow a fire safety plan
• Violations of local, state, and federal construction codes
• Failing to install and maintain sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other fire safety equipment
• Grease and kitchen fires
• Defective electrical and gas appliances
• Leaving candles or fireplaces unattended
• Faulty or poorly maintained electrical wiring

Building owners should ensure that all apartment buildings have working emergency lighting and unobstructed escape routes from all units. Failing to maintain these safety measures can result in wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries.

Injuries Caused by Apartment Fires

Being trapped in a burning building is terrifying. The smoke and fire can overtake an apartment and cause severe injuries and death in a matter of minutes. 

Common injuries caused by apartment fires include, but are not limited to:

• Severe burns and disfigurement
• Lung damage from inhaling smoke
• Loss of limbs and amputations
• Permanent nerve damage
• Broken bones and fractures from falling from burning apartments 
• Eye injuries, including loss of sight and blindness
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Wrongful death

Apartment fires also cause severe mental and emotional trauma. After an apartment fire, victims often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can be as debilitating as physical injuries.

An apartment fire’s physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be significant. Therefore, the parties responsible for the cause of the apartment fire should be held responsible for the losses they caused.

Who is Responsible for Damages Caused by a New York Apartment Fire?

Premises liability laws may apply in many apartment fire lawsuits. However, product liability laws may also apply in some cases when a malfunctioning or defective product caused the fire. Negligence law may also come into play.

Parties that could be liable for an apartment fire include:

• Apartment building owners
• Landlords
• Management companies 
• Product manufacturers (defective products)
• Individuals who set fires intentionally 

Our legal team investigates the cause of the fire and monitors investigations by government entities to determine who is responsible for your damages. We may retain fire investigators, engineers, and other experts as necessary to assist with the investigation. 

What Damages Can I Receive for an Apartment Fire Lawsuit?

The types of damages that you could receive if your apartment caught on fire include:

• Reimbursement for property loss and damage
• Loss of income and benefits 
• Medical expenses and bills
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Reduced earning capacity
• Nursing and personal care
• Long-term care

Families who lost loved ones in an apartment fire may be entitled to wrongful death benefits. The amount and type of damages that you receive depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our NYC Premises Liability Law Firm

When an apartment fire occurs, you may have numerous questions about fault and liability. Our New York City personal injury lawyers are here to help. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and your legal options for seeking compensation for your losses.