Why Do You Need a Fire Accident Lawyer

Fire-related incidents can devastate lives in an instant, causing severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and property destruction that leaves families struggling to rebuild. Damage from an actual fire is just one aspect—smoke, water, and structural harm often add to the devastation. When a fire-related incident results from negligence, defective products, or unsafe conditions, victims may face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and permanent disabilities while dealing with the trauma of their experience. Many people are also injured in fire accidents, further complicating recovery. These complex cases often involve multiple parties and require a thorough investigation to determine liability.

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling fire damage claims throughout New Jersey. We understand the devastating impact of fire-related injuries and have successfully secured significant compensation for burn victims and their families, including clients whose homes were damaged.

Causes of Residential Fire

Residential fires can start for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable with proper care and attention. Faulty wiring and electrical malfunctions are among the leading causes, often resulting from outdated systems or improper installations. Unattended cooking is another common culprit, as kitchen fires can quickly spread and cause significant property damage and injuries. Other risks include arson, lightning strikes, and accidents involving flammable liquids.

Defective products, such as malfunctioning appliances or electrical devices, can also spark fires in the home. Property owners have a legal duty to minimize these risks by installing and maintaining fire alarms, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring that electrical systems and appliances are in safe working order. Creating and practicing an escape plan is equally important, as it helps all occupants know how to escape safely in the event of a fire. By taking these proactive steps, property owners can reduce the risk of fires and protect the lives and safety of everyone in the home.

Consequences of Fire Injuries

Severe burns are some of the most difficult and painful injuries to treat. Our firm has assisted clients after their admission and treatment at the best burn centers throughout New York and New Jersey. We have had several clients overcome severe second and third-degree burns after treatment at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (formerly St. Barnabas).

Smoke inhalation is actually the leading cause of death among fire injury victims. Smoke inhalation can be particularly damaging because smoke caused by a burning building often contains harmful chemicals and particulates. Fire and smoke can significantly compromise the air quality inside a property, exposing occupants to hot gases and oxygen depletion, which increases respiratory risks. Fire injuries involving smoke inhalation can lead to:

• Lung damage
• Loss of lung capacity
• Pulmonary damage
• Death

Unfortunately, smoke inhalation injuries are not as easy to recognize as burns.  Because of this, victims often do not receive immediate medical care. Symptoms may include:

• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Changes to the skin color
• A hoarse speaking voice
• Soot in the nostrils and/or throat
• Fatigue
• Seizures

Burn injuries often cause damage that goes far beyond damage to the skin. Advances in medical treatments available for burn and fire injury victims have dramatically increased the survival rate dramatically, but victims may continue to face a lifelong struggle and years of painful treatments.

These treatments and the injuries themselves are often excruciatingly painful and leave the victim with permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Who is Liable For My Injuries After a Fire Accident?

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case to determine whether the property owner’s negligence was the root cause of your injuries. If someone else owned the property where the fire took place, you may be entitled to compensation based on New Jersey premises liability laws.

Premises liability places responsibility on property owners for ensuring that their property is reasonably safe for anyone legally entitled to be present on the property.  This includes:

• Installing appropriate fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire prevention systems
• Making sure fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire prevention systems are in good working order
• Maintaining fire escapes
• Keeping all fire exits clear of obstacles
• Making sure fire exits are clearly marked
• Maintaining the property’s electrical system to prevent fires caused by faulty wiring
• Preventing explosions caused by defective products or unsafe conditions on the premises

The simple act of installing working fire alarm systems can save a life and prevent severe injuries.  At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our attorneys work tirelessly to hold negligent property owners accountable for preventable fire injuries.  We examine all documentation related to the fire, interview witnesses, and even investigate the property owner’s history of safety violations. We also assess damage to the structure, including walls, roof, and windows, to ensure all fire-related damage is identified. Our attorneys are always prepared to advocate for clients in negotiations or at trial.

Investigating Fire Damage Claims

Successfully pursuing fire damage claims requires a thorough investigation by qualified professionals who can determine the cause and origin of the fire. Our legal team works with certified fire investigators, electrical engineers, and product liability professionals to examine evidence and identify all contributing factors. It is crucial to thoroughly document all fire damage to the property to support insurance claims and ensure proper repairs.

These investigations often reveal multiple parties who share responsibility for fire-related injuries. For example, a residential fire might involve a negligent landlord who failed to maintain electrical systems, a contractor who performed substandard work, and a manufacturer whose defective appliance sparked the blaze. During the investigation process, it is important to inspect the ground, roof, and windows for hidden or structural damage that may not be immediately visible. Identifying all responsible parties ensures maximum compensation for our clients.

In the wake of a fire, legal and insurance considerations become critical, including liability issues and the need for comprehensive documentation to support claims.

Fire scene evidence can deteriorate quickly, making prompt legal action essential. Our attorneys begin investigating immediately to preserve crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and secure professional analysis before important information is lost or destroyed. Claims involving partial losses—where the property is not completely destroyed—present unique challenges, such as hidden damages and matching issues during repairs.

Understanding Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is a critical aspect of fire damage claims, as it can cause both extensive property damage and serious health risks for those exposed. Smoke particles can seep deep into walls, furniture, carpets, and personal belongings, leading to persistent odors, discoloration, and long-term deterioration of property. Beyond the visible damage, smoke inhalation poses a significant threat to the respiratory system, potentially resulting in conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and other chronic health issues.

Exposure to intense heat and flames during a fire can also cause third-degree burns, compounding the physical and emotional toll on victims. Prompt action is essential when dealing with smoke damage, as delays in remediation can lead to further property loss and increased repair costs. Property owners facing smoke damage should consider reaching out to a law firm experienced in fire damage claims for a free consultation. Legal professionals can help determine the extent of the damage, guide property owners through the claims process, and ensure that all avenues for compensation are explored, helping victims recover and rebuild.

Insurance Coverage Challenges

Fire damage claims often involve complex insurance coverage issues that can complicate recovery for victims. Property insurance may cover some damages, while liability insurance addresses injury claims, but coverage disputes frequently arise when multiple policies are involved and the insurance company is responsible for handling claims and inspecting damages.

The insurance company may attempt to minimize payouts by disputing the cause of the fire or arguing that coverage exclusions apply. However, the insurance company has a duty to pay for proper inspections, repairs, and compensation as part of its legal obligations. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating insurance coverage disputes and ensuring that all available policies provide appropriate compensation for our clients’ losses.

We also help clients understand how different types of insurance coverage work together and coordinate benefits to ensure medical expenses are covered while pursuing additional compensation through liability claims against negligent parties. Securing the maximum amount of money for our clients is essential to cover their losses and support their recovery.

Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC Today

Fire-related injuries require immediate medical attention and prompt legal action to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of fire injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. We have successfully represented fire victims and their families throughout New Jersey, securing significant settlements for burn injuries, smoke inhalation damage, and property losses. Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC today through our contact form for your free consultation to discuss your claim.