Fire & Burn Injury - Fire!
Fire kills more Americans each year than all other forms of natural disaster combined. Over 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. In 2005, the National Fire Protection Association reported there was a home fire every 79 seconds in the United States, and in 2004 a home fire death every 135 minutes. Over $9.7 billion in property damage occurred last year as a result of fires.
The consumer products most commonly associated with fires include:
- Wood and coal burning stoves and fireplaces
- Kerosene heaters
- Gas-fired space heaters
- Portable electric heaters
- Cooking equipment
- Cigarette lighters and matches
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses and bedding
- Clothing
- Flammable liquids
Common causes of North Carolina burn injuries and deaths include careless smoking, disrepair and misuse of heating equipment, and cooking accidents. Use of alternate heat sources such as space heaters or electric blankets increases the chances of starting a fire, especially if these items are not maintained or operated properly.
In commercial property fires, arson is the leading cause of death, injury, and monetary loss.
A working smoke alarm can increase a person’s chances of surviving a fire. Over ninety percent of homes in the United States have at least one smoke alarm but these alarms are not always properly maintained. According to the National Fire Protection Association, it is estimated that over 39 percent of residential fires and 52 percent of residential fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke detectors.
Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been seriously burned or otherwise injured in a fire, contact a North Carolina fire and burn injury lawyer at HensonFuerst. We have offices located in Raleigh, Rocky Mount, and Boone, North Carolina, so we are uniquely situated to advocate for clients throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast, including Durham, Greenville, Chapel Hill, Goldsboro and Fayetteville. Complete a Free Online Consultation Form or call us toll free at 1-800-4LAW-MED for an immediate evaluation of your case.
