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Recently, a fire started on the first floor of an apartment building around 10:40 p.m. in Long Island City. Eight people were injured, including one with serious injuries.
One resident said a “wall of smoke” was near her door, and another resident said the smoke prevented her from exiting down the hall.
Firefighters responded to the call and worked on rescuing a man who was unable to move. The man was trapped by clutter and was taken to the emergency room with serious burns.
Officials are now investigating the cause of the fire.
It may be a while before we know why that fire occurred, but below we’re going to detail several of the most common causes of burn injuries.
Every year, about 486,000 Americans seek medical treatment for burns. These are the most common reasons burns happen at home, work, or elsewhere.
Auto Accidents
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that 16 percent of all fires that fire departments respond to are due to vehicle accidents. In an accident, the fuel can burst into flames and cause severe burns to drivers and passengers.
Defective Products
If a product overheats or begins to spark, it can cause burns to an unsuspecting user. You may experience an injury due to a manufacturer’s design flaw or failure to warn. In this case, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries.
Multi-Unit Occupancy Fires
Fires can cause extensive damage in apartments or hotels, where many people are housed at one time. As in the Long Island City story above, a fire can quickly spread and affect many occupants and trap others.
Workplace Fires
Some fires are part of the job. However, if fires get out of hand, they can cause significant injuries. Fires and explosions cause damages in many different work sites across New York. Various industries deal with thermal contact burns and flash arc burns from improper electricity use.
Gas Explosions
If natural gas or propane lines are disrupted by construction or accidents, explosions may result and cause injury or death. Gas explosions can stem from propane tanks, water heaters, or any other unit that is fueled by gas.
Scalding Injuries
When water is over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause scalding injuries. Children and elderly people are particularly susceptible to scalding injuries. They can occur anywhere the water temperature is set too high.
Chemical Burns
Accidents with chemicals occur in workplaces and in homes. Combining the wrong elements can produce a chemical mixture that will injure you. Children are more likely to be burned if they are exposed to harsh chemicals.
If you experienced a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim against them to receive compensation.
This might mean suing a manufacturer for a defective product, a hotel for water that is too hot, or an employer for a work site burn. It all depends on the situation, and a knowledgeable attorney will know if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
If you have been injured and someone else is at fault, you shouldn’t be held responsible for your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. A skilled New York injury attorney can help you recover your losses. Call today for your free case review.
