Injured in an Apartment Fire? Your May Hold the Landlord Responsible

If you’ve recently been injured in an apartment fire, you may wonder if the landlord can be held liable. While a landlord isn’t automatically responsible for injuries suffered by tenants, it’s possible to hold them liable in some cases.

The Causes of Apartment Fires

While a structure fire is a scary thought for most people, it’s particularly frightening for those living in multi-unit apartment buildings. Fires usually start when people are performing everyday tasks, but in some instances, a fire’s cause may be unseen. The most common apartment fire causes include:

Faulty electrical wiring and equipment
Cooking
The use of space heaters
Using candles
Smoking
Old, worn-out appliances
Indoor decorations
Lighting

If you’ve been hurt in an apartment fire that occurred due to a landlord’s negligence, consult an injury lawyer right away.

Pursuing Legal Action

To maintain an income or rental property, a landlord must provide his or her tenants with a reasonable level of protection from injuries due to accidents and malfunctions. However, to prove a landlord’s liability in an apartment fire case, a tenant must show that the standard of care wasn’t met. Specifically, a tenant must prove:

That the landlord was legally required to provide protection from fires. Landlords must follow laws that protect tenants from fire-related injuries—preventing fires, providing fire extinguishers, and allowing for a safe escape in the event of an apartment fire.
That damages were suffered. The fact that there was an apartment fire doesn’t mean it’s time to sue. To litigate, a tenant must prove that they’ve suffered damages. While burns are obvious, most damages sought are compensatory.
That the landlord failed to fulfill their duties. If a landlord doesn’t meet his or her fire prevention requirements and a fire occurs, they may assume liability for any damages.

If you or a family member have suffered burns in an apartment fire, call to find out whether the landlord can be held liable.

When You’re In an Apartment Fire

These fires can spread quickly and destroy an entire complex in just a few hours, leading to permanent injury and death. Here are a few tips to follow if you’re involved in an apartment fire.

Seek immediate medical attention. If you’re hurt, the most important thing to do is to get help.
Salvage or replace important documents. If you’re cleared to return home, look for your ID, birth certificate, renter’s insurance policy documents, lease paperwork, and other important items.
List what you’ve lost. Write down everything that the fire damaged, including each item’s value.
Take photos. Documenting your losses and injuries may help when filing a suit against a landlord.

After receiving medical care, contacting an attorney is the next step. You might be able to file a claim if the property manager or landlord’s negligence caused the damages you suffered.

Injury Lawyers Can Help

You or your family member may be able to recover for damages suffered in an apartment fire. OnderLaw has extensive experience helping apartment fire victims. If a severe injury or fatality occurred, a victim may file a claim for medical bills or wrongful death. Our legal team is ready and able to review your case at no cost. Call to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys.