A woman who was recently pulled from a condominium fire in Asheville and taken to a local hospital died two days later from the injuries she sustained. The condo roof was heavily damaged and partially collapsed and three additional condos experienced damage as well. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Burn injuries can be quite severe
Fire is the third leading cause of fatal home injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person in the U.S. is injured in a fire nearly every 30 minutes, and every 169 minutes, a death related to fire occurs. Moreover, according to the CDC, the cause of death for most fire-related victims is the inhalation of smoke or toxic gases rather than burns.
When a person is injured in a fire, the injuries can be quite severe and cause long-lasting pain or disfigurement. As in the case of the Asheville, North Carolina woman, such injuries may also be fatal. People who are injured in a fire may have the right to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, or other expenses depending on the cause or location of the fire. If a fire occurred due to a faulty product, for instance, the product manufacturer may be liable. If the fire occurred in the workplace, the employer may be ultimately responsible. Having a personal injury attorney in North Carolina who can help identify the cause of the fire can help a person know who is responsible and where to turn for compensation.
Fire prevention and detection can save lives
While there are certain factors that the average person does not have control over that may lead to fire and burn injuries, many fatal fire-related injuries may be prevented in the home if a person takes common-sense steps.
- Install smoke alarms throughout the residence
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries frequently
- Keep flammable objects away from areas where cooking takes place
- Never leave a cigarette burning in one room while going into another room
- Do not smoke while in bed
- Ashes should be completely cold before being disposed of
- Keep matches and other types of lighters or igniters high above the reach of any children in the home
- If you burn candles in your home, do not leave the candle unattended and do not use them in the bedroom. Many people fall asleep and forget to blow-out the candle.
- Create and regularly practice an escape plan for your family
When a fire occurs and injuries are sustained, it is important to seek medical treatment at once. If the fire occurred because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence or because of a faulty product, an accident victim may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and other losses associated with the fire. Working with a qualified personal injury attorney in North Carolina can help a person understand their rights and obtain the compensation they deserve.