Dozens of families in a Bronx apartment building had to run out their homes after a fire broke out the afternoon of Easter Sunday. According to an ABC7 news report, the blaze began at 345 Cypress Avenue in Mott Haven on the top floor of the six-story building and got into the space between the ceiling and the roof. The fire spread from one end and across the top floor causing major damage to four rooftop apartments. The FDNY is investigating the cause of the fire, as residents say they did not hear any smoke detectors go off.
Two firefighters and three residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A grandfather was treated at the scene. He exited the building with family members as they were about to enjoy Easter dinner together. FDNY officials said firefighters cut many openings in the roof to open up the top floor ceiling to expose the fire. Firefighters also found it challenging to get into the space under the roof in order to prevent the flames from spreading. Red Cross is helping residents who have lost their homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this Easter Sunday fire. This happened on the same day that three people were killed in a fire at an overcrowded home in Queens that had blocked stairs and exits as well as non-functioning smoke detectors.
What are the Property Owner’s/Manager’s Responsibilities?
In New York City, property owners/managers have specific legal responsibilities regarding smoke detectors to ensure the safety of tenants and other visitors and guests to their property. According to the NYC Housing Maintenance Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, all residential units must be equipped with operational smoke detectors. Property owners/managers are required to install at least one smoke detector within each apartment. These devices must be placed near each sleeping area, and must meet standards set by FDNY. Since April 1, 2014, all newly installed smoke detectors must be equipped with a non-removable, sealed-in battery with a minimum lifespan of 10 years, unless the unit is hardwired.
It is the property owner’s/manager’s duty to ensure the smoke detectors are in working order at the beginning of a tenant’s lease. In addition to installing the detectors, property owners/managers are responsible for replacing any smoke detectors that become defective. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines and violations issued by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of fires caused by negligence (carelessness) can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation as well.
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (NYCHA) (the Projects), please remember that you have legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous conditions, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. For over 53 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of assisting injured victims. One of our clients — a hot water burn victim — secured $750,000 in damages from the property owner and manager.
Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million insurance policy for two people who suffered smoke inhalation injuries because the homeowner did not have smoke detectors installed and the $15,000 that was left on the insurance policy was for a person that we did not represent. Another of our clients recovered $2,500,000 due to a faulty space heater. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/families-run-burning-building-bronx-easter-5-injured/16210915/