Manhattan Fires and Explosion Lawyer
Fires and explosions can occur for a number of reasons, including incorrectly placed gas lines, material failures, or a lack of smoke detectors and sprinklers.
When you have been hurt in a fire or an explosion, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and lost wages. It can be crucial to hire the right Manhattan fires and explosion lawyer to handle your case while you deal with the aftermath of the accident.
The personal injury attorneys at Shulman & Hill are experts in caring for people who have been harmed in a Manhattan fire or explosion. One of our fire and explosions attorneys can make sure that you have access to the right support and the proper representation to pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.
What Causes Fires and Explosions in Manhattan?
There are many factors that can lead to a fire or an explosion in a building. Many of the risks are the same when the building is under construction as when it is finished and people are inhabiting it. Fires and explosions are often devastating to personal property and frequently lead to affected parties losing everything.
The causes of these types of accidents can be numerous. Below are some of the most common causes of fires and explosions in the Manhattan area.
Heat
It is no surprise that heat and sparks are quite common at construction sites. Many large pieces of equipment can cause heat to contact building materials. Welding and other processes related to cutting can cause sparks to fly everywhere. When painters are at work on a building, portable heaters are often used to complete the drying process. Space heaters are especially dangerous and are notoriously prone to malfunction and cause residential fires as well.
Electrical Issues
Whether buildings are under construction or have already been completed, electrical issues are one of the most common causes of fires and explosions. Electrical wiring runs through the entirety of most buildings. Despite the best efforts of construction companies to prevent errors during the installation process, mistakes can be made. If even one portion of the wiring is faulty, the entire building can burn down in an electrical fire.
Electrical issues can also arise due to hurricanes, blizzards, and other severe weather conditions. When Hurricane Sandy struck New York in 2012, there were 21 serious fires that were started by seawater hitting electrical systems.
Defective Equipment
Defective blowtorches, saws, welding equipment, and other items in construction sites can cause errant sparks and flames that can be incredibly dangerous. Even the smallest of sparks can start a fire that can ultimately grow and burn down an entire building.
Defective stoves, space heaters, and smoke alarms can all cause residential fires.
Fuel
Fuel sources like propane or gas lines can cause fires and explosions as well. Like electrical and defective equipment, it can be the source of a massive fire if not handled properly.
Identifying Who May Be Responsible for a Manhattan Fire or Explosion
In the aftermath of many fire and explosion accidents, figuring out who may be responsible can be extremely complicated. There are many people who are involved in a building’s construction as well as its maintenance. For buildings that are already finished, property owners are tasked with keeping the building up to code.
Conducting an investigation and compiling evidence quickly is a major part of the process of determining who may be responsible for a fire or an explosion.
At Shulman & Hill, our team of professionals will work hard to identify which parties may be liable in the event of a fire or explosion. Commonly liable parties are:
- Property owners/managers, including apartment landlords
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Utility companies
If any of these parties are believed to be liable, our team will work hard to prepare a strong claim for compensation on your behalf.
What Injuries Can Happen As the Result of a Fire or an Explosion?
Many different kinds of injuries can be tied to a fire or an explosion accident in Manhattan. Construction and utility workers trapped in places with limited oxygen can suffer smoke inhalation injuries or serious burns. They can also be injured by falling debris or the force of the explosion itself.
Burns and chemical injuries related to explosions can cause devastating injuries. In some cases, these injuries can lead to permanent disability and long-term health issues. Blindness, loss of hearing, and major skin damage are common injuries of a fire or explosion that can alter the course of your life entirely.
Fires and explosions can also lead to chemical and biological waste. For those who have to clean up the site of the fire or the explosion, exposure to harmful substances is a common hazard.
Am I Entitled to Compensation After a Manhattan Fire or Explosion?
Each case is unique and the factors involved have to be considered in totality before compensation can be sought.
If you were injured while working, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This can help cover the costs of your medical bills and lost wages.
If you were injured outside of work while you were at home or in a similar capacity and another party caused the fire or explosion, such as a landlord who failed to install or maintain functioning smoke detectors, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for pain and suffering, property damage, medical expenses, and more.
At Shulman & Hill, we recognize that this process can be trying and overwhelming. Our Manhattan fire and explosions lawyers will make certain that your needs are heard and accounted for to the best of our abilities.
Why Choose Shulman & Hill?
Shulman & Hill has a team of workers’ compensation and personal injury experts. We can provide you with a Manhattan fire and explosions attorney to handle your claim, investigate the potentially liable parties, and represent you in court to pursue compensation.
Contact us today to set up a free legal consultation or give us a call at (555) 555-5555. You will only pay for our services if and when we recover compensation for you.
WE WORK WITH YOU
TO GET YOU COMPENSATED
Everyday working people often struggle to afford top-tier legal representation. To ensure equal access to justice, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we achieve a settlement or verdict in your case.