After an apartment fire caused by someone else’s negligence, engaging with a seasoned personal injury lawyer is crucial. A Chicago apartment fire lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve for your losses.
In this Article
What Causes Apartment Fires in Chicago?
Apartment fires in Chicago can be caused by:
Faulty wiring or equipment can cause an electrical fire
Improperly maintained or malfunctioning appliances
Negligence on the part of tenants, such as leaving candles unattended
Defective fire safety systems such as sprinkler systems
Poorly constructed buildings that do not meet fire safety standards
The Consequences of Apartment Fires
Regardless of the cause, apartment fires can have devastating consequences:
Physical injuries including serious burns or smoke inhalation requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Emotional trauma for victims and witnesses.
Major property damage, destroying personal belongings and displacing residents.
Financial burden with medical bills, loss of income due to injuries or displacement, and potential legal fees.
What Should I Do After an Apartment Fire?
Steps to take after an apartment fire include:
Immediately vacate the premises.
Dial 911 to report the fire.
Seek medical attention.
Notify your landlord, super, or building management company.
Document everything with pictures and videos.
Contact your insurance company.
Consult our personal injury attorneys to pursue compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Burn Injuries in an Apartment Fire?
What Fire Safety Measures Must Chicago Landlords Provide?
Chicago landlords and property owners are responsible for maintaining the habitability and the fire safety equipment of their rental properties. This includes ensuring that the property complies with applicable building and fire safety codes. Under Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), landlords with properties with more than seven units must provide:
Fire extinguishers on each floor if the apartment building is three stories or more.
Permanently posted fire evacuation notices in buildings that are three stories or more (425 ILCS 5/).
Smoke detectors (425 ILCS 60/3) in the sleeping rooms of each unit and at the top of each stairwell.
Working fire escapes for large buildings.
Basements, cellars, and attics must be free of fire hazards.
Adequate lighting in hallways and stairwells, including emergency lighting.
Electrical wiring must be maintained in good condition by a licensed electrician.
Most Common Fire-Related Injuries in Chicago Apartment Fires
Many serious burn injuries can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care including:
What Compensation Might I Recover from an Apartment Fire?
Victims of fire injuries or severe burns in an apartment fire may be eligible to recover compensation:
Medical expenses
Property damage
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Temporary housing
How Much Is My Case Worth?
A personal injury lawyer evaluates the value of a Chicago apartment fire case by considering the extent of damage and injuries suffered, financial compensation, the extent of negligence, the strength of evidence, the potential for collecting damages from the at-fault party, and the impact of the incident on the victim’s life.
Each case is unique and it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney to get an accurate estimate of the injury claim potential compensation.
How Can The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Help Fire Injury Victims?
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers will analyze your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.
Call Us to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
In your free consultation, you will meet with one of our experienced attorneys who will listen to your burn injury case, evaluate your evidence, explain your legal rights and options, and answer your questions.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!