Seven people including two firefighters were injured in a massive, four-alarm fire inside a Brooklyn home the night of Dec. 15. According to an ABC7 New York news report, the fire broke out during the early morning hours in the three-story Williamsburg building. Investigators believe the fire started on the first floor of the home while someone was cooking. Heavy flames spread quickly to homes on both sides and to another home behind.
A neighbor who talked to ABC said she only had a moment to grab what she could and run out. A few houses down, water damage forced more families out. In all, eight families lost everything. Most of the injuries were not life-threatening. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who were affected by this fire.
Residential Fires and Property Owners’ Responsibilities
In New York City, residential fires are a significant concern and property owners/managers bear certain responsibilities to ensure that their buildings are safe. Property owners/managers are mandated by law to comply with the New York City Fire Code and follow specific measures including:
• Installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Property owners/managers must install and maintain functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in many residential units. These devices serve as early warning systems in the event of a fire or gas leak.
• Fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment: Adequate fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment must be provided and maintained in common areas or as per code requirements within individual units. Such equipment should be in good working condition.
• Building fire safety plans and exits: Property owners/managers are responsible for creating and displaying fire safety plans, maintaining clear exit paths, and ensuring that exits are accessible and unobstructed in case of an emergency evacuation.
Non-compliance with these responsibilities can result in fines or legal consequences for property owners and property managers. Regular inspections and adherence to fire safety regulations are crucial to protect residents and property from the devastating effects of fires in New York City. Property owners/managers who fail to adhere to these regulations can also be held liable for any resulting injuries, damages and losses.
Common Fire-Related Injuries
Fire-related injuries can range from minor burns to life-threatening conditions, affecting individuals caught in fires or attempting to escape. Common fire-related injuries include:
- Burns: Among the most prevalent injuries, burns occur when skin comes into contact with flames, hot surfaces, or scalding liquids. They vary in severity, classified as first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial-thickness), or third-degree (full-thickness) burns, requiring different levels of medical attention. Fourth degree burns are also possible.
- Smoke inhalation: Breathing in smoke during a fire can lead to respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or more severe issues like carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
- Trauma and fractures: In the panic to escape a fire, victims may sustain injuries such as broken bones, sprains, or bruises due to falls, collisions, or jumping from heights.
- Emotional trauma: Fire-related incidents can also cause emotional distress, leading to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological issues in survivors.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
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/or manager.
Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million 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.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://abc7ny.com/fire-williamsburg-brooklyn-building/14186954/