A fire or explosion can cause severe second and third degree burns, permanent scarring of the skin and even result in a fatality. To complicate matters, in many cases any evidence of what caused the fire or explosion can be destroyed.
The Denver accident attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate the circumstances involved fire and explosion accidents, and can help you begin to rebuild your life by fighting for the financial compensation you deserve.
Injuries sustained from a fire or explosion can take extensive rehabilitative and reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and emotional counseling for victims who suffer from lingering psychological effects following serious or catastrophic injury in a fire.
We are committed to using our wide array of professional and occupational resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, and have used our investigative, legal and medical resources to assist clients in recovering damages related to not only their physical injuries, but also for lost wages and future earnings. In the case of a primary wage earner suffering a wrongful death as the result of an explosion or fire-related accident, we can help you seek a fair and reasonable settlement in order to secure the financial well-being of surviving family members.
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Fire Accidents Facts & Figures:
• Most victims die from the inhalation of smoke and other toxic gasses.
• 80% of all fire deaths in 2008 happened in the home.
• A fire fatality occurred on average every 158 minutes in 2008, and a fire accident injury occurred every 31 minutes.
• Fire departments responded to 403,000 home fires in 2008, which claimed the lives of 2,755 people, and injured another 13,560, excluding firefighters.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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An explosion or fire can catastrophically affect an entire family in a matter of seconds, and can be caused by many situations:
- An explosion or fire from a motor vehicle crash
- Explosive or combustible fluids
- Defective lawn and garden equipment
- Defective gas grills
- Defective gas fireplaces or portable space heaters
- An improperly extinguished cigarette
- Exploding furnace, water heater or electric appliance
- Propane or natural gas leak or defective valve
- Construction accidents
- Factory accidents
- Work-related accidents
A devastating fire or explosion can occur almost anywhere, at any time. Certain occupations are known for a high rate of fire and explosion accidents that result in serious injuries, including mining, oil and gas drilling operations, natural gas and other utility workers, automobile and small engine mechanics, commercial kitchen employees and certain trades in the construction industry.
Evacuation Injuries/Blocked Exits in Colorado
A victim of a fire or explosion accident may also sustain life-altering injuries if the accident happens in a commercial building or business. There have been many cases reported in the national media regarding nightclub fires in which the club’s patrons were unable to find their way out of the building due to inadequately marked exits, emergency exits which were blocked or evacuation routes which were not clearly posted.
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Colorado Explosion and Blast Injuries
• Blunt force trauma
• Penetrating fragment injuries
• Burn injuries
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Eye injuries
• Asphyxiation
• Escalation of existing chronic illnesses
Source: Centers for Disease Control and
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If a fire breaks out or a propane tank explodes at an apartment complex or condominium, there are several factors that could mean the difference between surviving and becoming a victim. Are there an adequate number of fire extinguishers on the premises, and are they certified as up-to-date and operational? Were emergency exits and stairwells appropriately marked and unblocked for proper access in the event of an emergency? Were the smoke detectors and fire alarms in proper working order?
In these types of cases, the owners and operators of the establishments may be liable for the injury or death of patrons, and our Colorado Injury Attorneys will dedicate themselves to fighting for justice on your behalf.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatalities from burns and fires are the 5th most common cause of unintentional injury deaths in the country, and the 3rd most common among accidents in the home.
One of the most startling fire injury statistics is that over 40% of residential fires involved alcohol use. Alcohol impairs the judgment and slows reflex and reaction time, so in the event of a fire emergency, an intoxicated person is unable to adequately respond to the severity of the situation. If your child is spending the night at a friend’s house, can you be sure the parents or babysitter is going to be responsible enough to deal with a fire or explosion emergency?
In other cases, inadequate fire protection in apartment buildings, or a drunk or careless neighbor in an adjacent apartment, may cause a fire that seriously injures or kills apartment residents.
The Colorado injury lawyers at Rosenthal & Heymann have represented clients who have suffered traumatic fire and explosion injuries. If one of these tragic instances has impacted you or and your family, call our office today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights, and how we may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the financial loss or serious injury or death of a loved one in a fire or explosion accident.
Call Today - 303-825-2223
