Fires & Explosions - Caress Worland Law Group

Statistics show that more than 15,000 people are injured each year in the United States in fires and explosions; tragically, more than 3,000 of these victims lose their lives. The data also indicates that more than 80% of fire-related injuries and deaths are the result of residential fires. When a house or apartment catches fire, occupants can have as little as 60 seconds to evacuate. As a result, nearly 25% of fire-related injuries occur while occupants are trying to escape to safety. Another 40% of injuries occur while occupants are attempting to put out or control residential fires. The majority of all other fire and explosion-related injuries occur on commercial and industrial premises. Even in large buildings and on expansive job sites, sudden fires and explosions can leave workers with little or no opportunity to escape serious harm. As a result, serious and life-threatening injuries are common, and many employees are never able to return to work and provide for their families.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a fire or explosion, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation. Most injuries from fires and explosions can be avoided with appropriate property management and proper product design and manufacturing. If someone else is to blame for your injuries or your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to a significant financial recovery. Taking aggressive legal action is the only way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our committed Indianapolis fire and explosion lawyers will fight for your rights. At the Caress Worland Law Group, we understand the devastating effects of severe burns and other traumatic injuries, and our Indianapolis fire and explosion lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic losses due to fires and explosions. If you have a case, we can help you win just compensation. Our Indianapolis fire and explosion attorneys provide compassionate, personalized legal representation that is custom-tailored to the unique circumstances of each client’s individual case, and we work tirelessly to ensure that each of our clients receive maximum compensation as quickly as possible.

When seeking financial compensation for injuries from a fire or explosion, one of the first steps is to determine who was at fault in the accident. There are numerous factors that can cause and contribute to fires and explosions, and pinpointing the cause of your injury or your loved one’s death is critical to filing a successful claim. At the Caress Worland Law Group, our experienced Indianapolis fire and explosion attorneys work with forensic investigators, structural engineers, and other professionals who are experts in determining the root causes of fires and explosions. In most cases, fire and explosion lawsuits will involve claims against:

Landlords
Neighbors and other tenants
Contractors and subcontractors
Product designers, manufacturers, and suppliers
Business owners

Q: Can I file a claim based upon a faulty smoke detector or an inadequate number of smoke detectors?

Potentially, yes. Statistics show that close to 80 percent of fire-related deaths and 60 percent of fire-related injuries occur due to faulty smoke detectors or a lack of smoke detectors on the premises. You may have a claim for financial compensation if your landlord or property manager was responsible for ensuring that your home or business was properly equipped with functioning smoke detectors.

Q: Can I file a claim if the exits to a restaurant or other business were not clearly marked?

Potentially, yes. Under Indiana law, business and property owners are subject to various safety requirements. This includes a requirement to ensure that all exits are clearly marked in the case of an emergency. If you were burned, if you suffered from smoke inhalation, or if you were injured by other patrons attempting to escape the fire, the business or property owner could be liable for your medical expenses and other losses.

Q: When can I seek financial compensation for a fire that occurred in my own home?

If you suffered losses in a fire that occurred in your own home, you should not look solely to your homeowner’s insurance company for payment. There are various factors that may entitle you to financial compensation from your builder, your landlord, a product manufacturer, or another third party. These include (but are not limited to):

Defective electronics, toys, tools, and appliances
Failure to install a sufficient number of smoke detectors
Faulty electrical sockets or wiring
Improper installation of gas dryers and stoves
Use of improper building materials

To learn more about your legal rights after a fire or explosion, please call or click to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Indianapolis fire and explosion attorneys at our law offices in Indianapolis, IN. You can reach us 24/7, so dial (317) 255-5400 or request to be contacted online now.