If you or a loved one suffered serious burn injuries in a Chicago house fire due to someone else’s negligence, a Chicago house fire lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers intend to secure justice and fair compensation for burn injury victims and hold negligent parties accountable.
Fire Safety Regulations and House Fires in Illinois
The 2003 Cook County Administration Building fire led to six deaths and major burn injuries, prompting fire safety reforms in Illinois. These include mandatory installation and proper maintenance of smoke detectors in all residences and carbon monoxide detectors in properties with fuel-burning appliances.
What Should I Do Immediately After a House Fire?
Steps to take immediately after a house fire include:
- Ensure the safety of all individuals by evacuating the premises and calling 911.
- Contact your insurance company to report the fire and begin the claims process.
- Document the damage with photographs and videos; keep records of any communication with authorities and insurance company representatives.
- Call our experienced attorneys to discuss your case.
What Causes House Fires?
Common causes of house fires in Chicago include:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Gas leaks
- Defective appliances
- Oxygen therapy used by smokers
- Unattended cooking
- Faulty fireplaces
When Are House Fire Injuries Valid Personal Injury Cases?
Injuries suffered in a house fire become valid personal injury cases when they result from another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. House fire claims must prove:
- Duty of care: acting responsibly to avoid harming others
- Breach of duty: the responsibility was not met
- Connection to injuries: the breach caused the harm.
- Demonstrable damages: physical, emotional, or financial loss resulted.
Examples of Valid Claims from Chicago House Fires
Fire-related injuries have been suffered in fires due to:
- Electrical Wiring Negligence: A landlord’s failure to inspect and repair faulty electrical wiring in a rental.
- Defective Appliance: A refrigerator manufacturer knowingly sold products with a fire-causing manufacturing defect.
- Gas Company Fault: A gas company ignored complaints about the smell of gas, resulting in an explosion accident causing explosion injuries.
- Contractor Error: A contractor improperly installed a gas stove, causing a dangerous gas leak and subsequent fire.
How Is Fault Determined in Rental House Fire Cases?
Determining fault involves investigating the cause of the fire and identifying any parties involved whose misconduct or negligence—for example, not removing a fire hazard— may have contributed to the incident. This includes analyzing maintenance records, inspecting the fire site, and consulting with fire experts to establish liability.
What if a Defective Appliance Caused the Fire?
If a defective appliance caused the fire, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Document the issue with the appliance, gather evidence such as purchase receipts and service records, and work with your attorney to build a case against the manufacturer.
What Kinds of Compensation Could I Receive for My House Fire Injuries?
In a house fire negligence case, compensation may include medical bills, future care costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases of severe negligence and serious injuries, punitive damages may also be awarded. When fire victims die from severe burns, an attorney might pursue compensation for the family with a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Much Is My Chicago House Fire Case Worth?
To determine the value of your house or apartment fire case, a Chicago burn injury lawyer considers the severity of the burn injuries, long-term impact on your life, medical expenses, future care, loss of earnings, and any emotional distress. House fire lawyers also assess the extent of the defendant’s negligence, available evidence for liability, and insurance policy limits.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a House Fire in Chicago?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the injury.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a house fire due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC. Our Chicago burn injury lawyers will investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to recover maximum compensation.
Call for a Free Consultation Today
Our dedicated team is ready to support you through this challenging time. A legal professional on our team will listen to your story, explore your legal options, and answer your questions.
(312) 223-1700