Three people were killed and more than a dozen were injured after a fast-moving fire engulfed a three-story apartment building in Crown Heights, Brooklyn early morning on Nov. 12. According to a report in the New York Post, firefighters rushed to put out the three-alarm blaze on 242 Albany Avenue, finding heavy flames had quickly spread across all three floor of the residence. Three people from the same family were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. All were pronounced dead later that day. At least 14 other victims were also injured in the fire.
FDNY officials said this was a difficult and dangerous operation, which is always the case when there is a heavy fire involving multiple floors of a building. Mayor Eric Adams said it was a miracle that the fire did not spread to either of the buildings next door and was contained. Neighbors who awoke in a cloud of heavy smoke said they saw the burned victims being taken out of the scorched building on stretchers. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of the deceased victims and all the injured victims who were affected.
Smoke Alarm Requirements in New York City
In New York City, smoke alarm requirements are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents in residential buildings. The New York City Fire Code mandates that smoke alarms must be installed in all dwelling units, including apartments and houses. These alarms serve as early warning systems, detecting smoke and alerting occupants to potential fire hazards.
It is essential for property owners/managers to comply with these regulations to enhance overall fire safety and protect lives. Additionally, the Fire Code specifies the type and placement of smoke alarms to ensure optimal coverage and effectiveness. Regular maintenance and testing of smoke alarms are also emphasized to guarantee their functionality.
Premises Liability Issues
The FDNY states that nearly two-thirds of fatal fires in the city involve smoke alarms that don’t work. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are critical when it comes to protection from fires and smoke inhalation injuries. New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code requires property owners and/or property managers to provide, install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each unit. The devices should also be maintained and remain in good working order.
When a fire is caused by negligence (carelessness) or a lack of property maintenance, the property owners and/or property managers may be held liable for the injuries and loss of life that occurs. Injured victims or families of deceased victims can file a premises liability claim against the responsible parties including, but not limited to, the property owner, property manager, maintenance/repair company, etc.
Injured victims in such cases 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.
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 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://nypost.com/2023/11/12/metro/three-killed-14-injured-in-early-morning-crown-heights-fire/