At Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, we represent homeowners, first responders, and people injured by fires and explosions in Maryland, Washington, DC, and throughout the country. Fires and explosions are devastating events. They can cause profound loss and affect homes, property, and lives. At JGL, our attorneys are skilled and experienced at investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions, determining who was at fault in causing these events, and using the litigation process to help restore the losses caused by these disasters.
Main Causes of Explosion and Fire Accidents
Fires and explosions have many potential causes. Home and property fires can be caused by electrical events, defective home equipment and appliances, and natural gas and propane leaks, among other sources. When a home catches on fire or suffers an explosion event, not only can the property be devastated but the individuals in and around the home can be catastrophically injured.
In addition, there is a rising incidence of explosions and fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, including those found in smartphones and tablets, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, power tools, and even vehicles. Lithium-ion battery explosions can cause severe thermal injuries in people and can also destroy homes and property.
Common Injuries Related to Fire and Explosion Accidents
At JGL, we represent individuals who have suffered physical injury as a result of fires and explosions. Fires and explosions can result in a variety of physical and personal injuries. Commonly, individuals exposed to fires and explosions suffer burns on their body. Burns can result in severe pain, permanent scarring, loss of mobility, permanent numbness, and other disabilities. The stigma of suffering a burn can also cause psychological and mental effects. Fires and explosions can also result in smoke inhalation, which can cause pulmonary and cardiovascular injuries, which can be chronic and permanent. Explosions, in particular, can cause other types of injuries, including traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries (such as fractures/breaks and joint dislocations, for example), which can be life-altering and require extensive rehabilitation. At their most tragic, fires and explosions can be fatal.
Who is Liable for Fire and Explosion Accidents?
Fires and explosions can have many different causes, and no case is the same. We investigate fires and explosions caused by products that have been defectively designed or manufactured, such as home appliances, HVAC equipment, and lithium-ion batteries. In such cases, the manufacturer of the product may be liable for their failure to distribute a reasonably safe product. Our attorneys also investigate fires and explosions caused by natural gas or propane leaks. Gas leaks may be caused by defective or faulty gas tanks or lines, or may be caused by a gas company’s failure to properly inspect or address a problem with the gas system. The experienced attorneys at Joseph, Greenwald & Laake investigate the facts specific to each case and determine the cause(s) of a fire or explosion and who may be responsible.
How to Proceed Following a Fire and Explosion Accident
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or loss due to a fire or explosion, you should contact an experienced attorney. The attorney will discuss your legal options. In a fire or explosion, time is of the essence, as crucial evidence can be lost or destroyed if too much time passes. So it’s essential that if you or a loved one has been affected by a fire or explosion, you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and rights.
Compensation Available in Fire and Explosion Accident Cases
A victim of a fire and explosion may be able to obtain compensation to account for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, financial loss (such as lost wages), and emotional and psychological injury. Additionally, in the case of a residential fire, a victim may be able to obtain compensation to account for the damages to their home or personal property. The experienced attorneys at JGL are skilled at searching for and obtaining all sources of compensation for those who have been impacted by a fire or explosion.
Consult With a Maryland Fire and Explosion Accident Attorney
At Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, we are experienced in assisting those who are the victims of fires and explosions. We are able to diagnose the cause of a fire or explosion, determine the responsible parties, and navigate the legal process to obtain the compensation that you deserve. Legal cases involving fires and explosions are complicated and challenging, and the team at JGL has the skills and experience to take on the companies who may be responsible. If you or a loved one has experienced loss or injury due to a fire or explosion, please contact us for a free consultation.
