What to Do After a Fire Accident

Fire accidents can leave victims with devastating burn injuries that result in severe pain, disfigurement, disabilities, expensive long-term medical treatment and a lifetime of financial strain. When the fire was caused by someone else’s carelessness or fault, survivors can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for their losses.

The first thing that people should do after a fire accident is call their insurance company or agent as soon as possible. It is also important to document the fire damage by taking pictures of everything that was lost. If the home is still safe to enter, it is also a good idea to take a inventory of the items that were destroyed so that an accurate list can be provided to the insurer.

Some common causes of fires include space heaters, candles and other open flames, fireplaces and chimneys, cooking, and faulty electrical wiring. Homeowners should keep these fire hazards in mind and have their homes regularly inspected to ensure that there are no safety issues.

Commercial settings have many potential fire hazards as well, including combustible materials that accumulate and are not properly stored or disposed of. Warehouses, factories and construction sites often have combustible dust that can ignite and spread quickly. These facilities should have a regular system for dust removal to avoid these types of fires.

Human error is a major cause of fires in the workplace as well. Employees who are distracted or do not follow safety procedures may use equipment incorrectly, fail to report a malfunctioning machine or leave cooking food unattended. Keeping workplaces up to code, maintaining machines correctly and training employees on proper safety protocols can help prevent these types of fire accidents.

After a fire, it is important to evacuate the area as instructed by emergency response officials. The lack of oxygen and toxic fumes can impair judgment, so it is crucial to stay calm and find a way to escape the burning building. People who are injured by smoke inhalation should seek medical attention immediately after escaping the fire.

Even minor burns should be treated immediately. It is important to put cool water on the burned areas. This should be done after removing any clothing that has been burned in the accident. The victim should avoid applying ointments, butter or ice to the wounds, as these can actually make the burns worse by keeping the heat trapped in the skin.

When an individual sustains a fire injury, the person should file a claim with the insurance company to recover damages for their losses. These can include a loss of property, medical expenses, future expected expenses, emotional trauma and the cost of replacing belongings that were destroyed in the fire. In cases involving the death of a loved one, survivors can file a wrongful death lawsuit against whoever is responsible for the fire to recover additional compensation. This type of claim is based on evidence that the death was caused by the defendant’s negligent or reckless actions.