Pearland Fire Accidents Lawyer
Fire is one of the most common causes of personal injury and fire damage in Texas. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), local fire departments nationwide responded to an estimated 1.35 million fires in 2021 alone. These fires caused 14,700 injuries to non-firefighter civilians and 3,800 deaths.
Most fires start accidentally. But an accident can still mean that someone was negligent, reckless, or careless. And an innocent party injured by such conduct can seek financial compensation for their fire-related losses. A qualified Pearland fire accidents lawyer can review your case and assist you in taking appropriate legal action. Attorney Keith B. French is an experienced Texas litigator who has helped many clients seek and obtain civil damages against negligent individuals and companies whose acts have harmed people.
How Negligence Can Lead to Fires in Texas
Determining legal liability for a fire accident is often complicated. Many fires are the result of an “act of God” such as a lightning strike, in which case nobody may be civilly liable. But many fire accidents have an underlying cause that speaks to some form of human negligence. Some common examples of this include:
- electrical fires caused by improperly installed or maintained wiring;
- explosions arising from gas leaks;
- home furnace and water heater fires due to improper installation, maintenance, or repairs;
- chemical fires caused by improper handling and storage of hazardous materials;
- defective consumer products that explode and catch fire, particularly items with batteries;
- home and kitchen fires caused by someone carelessly disposing of a cigarette;
- outdoor fires, such as camp fires, which are not properly supervised and are allowed to burn out of control;
- fires that are allowed to spread due to a lack of property safety systems in a building, including working smoke detectors and sprinklers; and
- fires that are intentionally set to hurt people or property, i.e., arson.
Depending on the specific nature of a fire accident, there may be multiple parties who can be held legally responsible for any damages sustained by the victims. For example, faulty wiring in the building may be the responsibility of both the company that owns the building as well as the contractor who installed the wiring. Or a person who accidentally triggers a fire by tossing away a cigarette may be held responsible together with a building owner who failed to keep its smoke detectors running.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
Fire accidents often lead to death, burn injuries and other serious consequences. Victims and their families are often left with a mountain of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and the need to replace lost property. On top of that there is the emotional trauma of recovering from the fire itself. All of these damages and more cannot be erased through a personal injury lawsuit. But obtaining compensation from the responsible parties can be the first step towards rebuilding.
So if you or a family member have suffered losses and you need legal advice from an experienced Pearland fire accidents lawyer, contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
