Long Island City Fires and Explosions Lawyer

Construction sites and industrial workplaces are common areas for fires and explosions. For those who work in these environments, exposure to these risks is part of their daily life. However, workers are not the only ones at risk in the event of a fire or explosion.

Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or merely a pedestrian walking by a building, you could find yourself injured by an unexpected fire or explosion. Incorrectly placed gas lines, mechanical failures, faulty electrical wiring, and even issues relating to natural disasters can all be a recipe for disaster.

If you have been injured in a fire or explosion, you should consult with one of Shulman & Hill’s Long Island City fire and explosions lawyers. They may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Whether you suffered a personal injury and/or you are a worker looking to file a workers’ compensation claim, our law firm can help.

Contact Shulman & Hill today for a free legal consultation.

What Causes Fires and Explosions in Long Island City?

Fires and explosions usually happen suddenly without any warning, quickly devastating entire areas. If people are inside a building when it catches on fire or explodes, they can be severely injured. In worst-case scenarios, these incidents can claim the lives of multiple people.

The causes of these accidents can be numerous. Examples of issues that can cause fires or explosions include (but are not limited to) the following:

Heat

Heat and sparks from machinery, industrial furnaces and ovens, space heaters, and even improperly discarded cigarettes can lead to a major fire.

Electrical Issues

Electrical wiring that has been improperly maintained or installed incorrectly can cause a fire or an explosion, as can faulty and overloaded outlets and extension cords. In fact, electrical fires accounted for a considerable share of fire-related civilian deaths and property damage in 2018.

Chemical Exposure

Construction sites where chemicals are stored and in use are ripe with the potential for fires and explosions. Sparks from equipment that produces heat, like a welding torch, can cause flammable chemicals to catch fire or explode.

Defective or Improperly Maintained Equipment

Poorly designed or improperly maintained equipment can lead to fires and explosions as well. Most machinery and tools generate an immense amount of heat. If the machine is damaged in some way, it can cause an explosion. This is especially true if the tool is powered by gasoline or another flammable fuel source.

Fuel

Fuel like propane and gasoline can cause and exacerbate fires and explosions—especially if they are improperly stored. It is important to handle combustible fuel at job sites with great care to avoid accidents.

Who May Be Liable For a Long Island City Fire or Explosion?

Though it may at first be unclear who is responsible for a fire or an explosion, a proper investigation may reveal a negligent party whose actions contributed to the accident. Once a potentially negligent party has been identified, your lawyer will collect evidence that shows how their actions caused your injuries.

The following are parties that may be held liable in the event of a fire or explosion:

• Property owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers

What Injuries Can Occur From a Fire or Explosion in Long Island City?

Sadly, many injuries that are caused by fires and explosions are very serious and sometimes even lead to death. In some cases, the injuries sustained in a fire or an explosion can also lead to long-term disability.

Severe second and third-degree burns are among the most common fire-related injuries. Smoke inhalation injuries are also common and can result in chronic long-term health conditions affecting the lungs.

Other possible injuries include hearing and vision loss caused by debris or the sheer volume of an explosion itself. Individuals inside buildings may also be struck by falling objects or suffer from a slip and fall as they rush to escape the burning building.

Seeking Compensation After a Long Island City Fire and Explosion Accident

Every fire and explosion is unique, as is every case. That is why it is helpful to work with a lawyer who understands the intricacies of the law and what your rights may be.

If you are injured while working, you will likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover your medical expenses and time off from work while you are recovering.

If you are not injured while working, you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party that contributed to the fire or explosion, such as a landlord who failed to install smoke detectors or sprinklers. If you were injured at work and a party other than your employer was negligent, you may be able to pursue additional compensation on top of your workers’ compensation benefits by filing a lawsuit.

A lawyer will look at your medical records, official accident reports, fire inspection reports, and other relevant documentation to help build your case. In addition to past expenses and losses, they will also take into account future losses.

Unfortunately, many people lose their lives in fires and explosions. If you lost a loved one in one of these tragic accidents, working with an attorney can help. A law firm like Shulman & Hill can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses and loss of support your loved one would have provided had they survived.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill

At Shulman & Hill, we pride ourselves on a tremendous track record of success. We have helped recover millions of dollars in compensation for injured New Yorkers.

To learn how we can help you and your family after a fire or explosion, schedule a free legal consultation online or give us a call.