What to Do If Your Home Has Been Involved in a Fire Accident
A fire accident can be devastating. It can result in a great loss of property and the death of innocent people. It is also a very traumatic experience for the victims, especially those who suffered burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
When a home or workplace is involved in a fire accident, the first priority should always be the safety of the occupants. After this has been accomplished, the emergency services will concentrate on saving the structure and its contents. If you are a homeowner, the best thing to do is take pictures and video of the damage (assuming it is safe to do so). This will provide evidence for your insurance company and will speed up the process of a claim.
If you are a tenant, it may be a good idea to make arrangements with your landlord to move to temporary accommodation. In some cases, your landlord will be able to do this, but it is not a legal obligation. You should also be careful when removing your belongings from the property, and it is advisable to have a police officer accompany you if possible. This will ensure that your valuables are protected and that an inventory is kept.
The most common causes of fire accidents are cooking and heating equipment, electrical faults, smoking or other human activities. It is important to make sure that your home has up to date wiring and that any heating appliances are regularly checked and maintained. Older furnaces, boilers and other heating equipment are particularly susceptible to fire accidents.
It is also a good idea to keep receipts of any additional expenses you incur if your home has been destroyed in a fire accident, such as hotel and restaurant bills and even boarding costs for pets. You should be able to claim these costs back from your insurer, assuming they are covered under the package homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.
Many people suffer from severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation as a result of fire accidents. It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to minimise the severity of these injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be life threatening and lead to wrongful death.
Those who have been injured as a result of a fire accident should contact their personal injury solicitor immediately to discuss their case. They can explain the legal claims process to them and help them obtain financial compensation. They can also advise them on the best course of action to take with regards to their health and recovery.
A fire accident lawyer will be able to examine the circumstances of your fire accident, assess the level of damage and determine the liable party. A thorough investigation will include the examination of the building by an expert, which may reveal construction and design defects or other issues that could have contributed to the fire accident. It may also show that a flammable material or product was not stored safely and in compliance with the law. In some cases, the fire accident attorney will be able to identify a third party that could be held liable for the incident.