High-Rise Building Fires – How To Recover After A Loss
An apartment building fire made national news last week when a malfunctioning space heater started a blaze that killed at least 17 people and left dozens of others with injuries. Smoke inhalation caused most of the fatalities and injuries, according to authorities. The tragic accident is under investigation, but early reports indicated a lack of proper fire escapes and stairwells.
Whether you are a guest, tenant or owner of a multi-story building, news like this comes as a shock and will make you consider your own building’s emergency plans. You may wonder: Can this happen to me? To our building? Few situations are more frightening or devastating than a building fire, after all. Fires in apartment buildings, condos, or hotels can displace your family, or cause serious injury and even a tragic loss of life.
High-Rise Fires Are More Common Than You Think
Sadly, fires in high-rise buildings are not rare. The National Fire Protection Association reports that approximately 13,000 high-rise fires occur each year in the United States. In addition to death and injury, these incidents cause over $200 million in financial damage annually.
The most common causes of high-rise building fires include the following:
- Kitchen accidents
- Gas leaks & faulty gas connections
- Electrical fires from faulty wiring
- Smoking
- Arson
- Unattended heating units (space heaters, hair dryers, etc.)
If there is a fire in a high-rise building, always call 911 first. Get as low as possible and head towards the nearest exit. Apartment buildings, hotels, and other high-rise buildings should have fire alarms that are regularly inspected to make sure they work, along with working fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and an evacuation map for these types of emergencies.
Damages for Tenants and Guests
Landlords are also obligated to make sure the property they rent has no preventable gas leaks or electrical short-circuits that could cause a fire. When an apartment building owner is negligent in preventing the spread of fires, they may be liable for injuries and damages caused by a fire in their building. If suffered fire-related injuries as a tenant or guest in a high-rise unit, you may be eligible to seek compensation for injuries, damages and losses caused by the fire.
Damages for Property Owners
Owners of hotels, condominiums, and other high-rise buildings must not only address the significant damages to their buildings and other property when a fire occurs, but also the substantial business interruption (or business loss).
Not receiving the insurance payment you need after a disaster on your property can lead to a serious disruption or even loss of the business. If your insurer is not behaving in good faith, our insurance lawyers may be able to provide valuable assistance and help you recover what is fair.
The Daytona Beach area is well known for its oceanside high-rise hotels and condos. Fires in such buildings can and have happened here. Make sure you have an emergency preparedness plan in the event that danger strikes. In the tragic event that you have been injured or suffered property loss and financial harm due to a fire, we are here to help.
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
At Bundza & Rodriguez, we guide clients through the process of filing commercial and residential property damage claims. We have experience with this issue, and our goal is to help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to. We have also successfully represented many clients who have suffered burn injuries or have lost a loved one as a result of a building fire, or other accidents causing a burn injury.To discuss your case, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online and request a consultation today.
Source:
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