Corpus Christi Fire Accident Lawyers

Understanding Fire Accidents

Fire accidents are catastrophic events that can cause property damage, injuries, and in worst-case scenarios, loss of life. Fire accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that can happen in any home or workplace. As with any emergency, prevention is key. Understanding the causes and how to prevent fire accidents can go a long way in ensuring that we protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.

Fire accidents are preventable if we take the proper measures. Understanding the causes of fire accidents, educating ourselves and those around us, and implementing preventive measures are vital in minimizing the risk of fire accidents. Everyone must take responsibility, stay vigilant, and work towards creating a safer environment for ourselves and future generations.

There are three things all fires start with or need to keep burning: Oxygen, fuel & heat; This is known as the Fire Triangle. The safest and most common thing to have is an “all-purpose” fire extinguisher used for all fire classifications.

Fire Accident Causes

– Electrical faults: Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires. These can occur due to old wiring, overloaded electrical outlets, or faulty appliances

– Carelessness/Error/Negligence: Leaving a hot iron on or a stove unattended can lead to fires. Not storing flammables properly.

– Flammable Materials: Dust, Grease, Hairspray, loose paper, Etc…

– Smoking: Cigarette butts can ignite flammable substances such as curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture.

– Arson: Deliberate arson attacks occur more frequently than we admit. These are often carried out by arsonists who wish to cause harm to individuals or property.

– Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as lightning strikes and earthquakes can also cause fires.

Fire Accident Prevention

Electrical Equipment:

Ensure you have an up-to-date copy of any safety regulations applicable to your equipment, and adhere to these at all times.
Regularly inspect and test electrical equipment and cables for signs of wear or damage.
Always ensure that the proper wattage is used when installing electrical devices in a home or workplace.
Use appropriate protective measures such as surge protectors or grounding straps on sensitive.

Carelessness/ Negligence/ Error:

Never leave a hot iron or stove unattended.
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, such as paint thinner and gasoline.
Install smoke detectors in your home and check them regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
Create an emergency evacuation plan so that you know what to do in case of a fire.
Keep all combustible items at least three feet away from any heat source.
Clean your dryer lint trap regularly, as lint can quickly ignite in a fire.
Check all electrical outlets and cords for signs of wear or fraying.
Never leave burning candles or open flames unattended.
Teach children about the dangers of fire and what

Flammable Materials:

Ensure that you have the proper protective gear when working with flammables. Sturdy gloves and safety glasses are a must, as well as clothing made from fire-resistant fabric.
Always store flammable materials in approved containers or cabinets away from sources of heat and sparks. Be sure to label these containers clearly for easy identification.
Ensure that any rags, paper towels, or other absorbents used when handling flammable materials are disposed of promptly and safely.
Educate yourself on the properties of different types of flammables so you can use them safely and effectively.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

Smoking:

Always smoke outside in well-ventilated areas. Ensure your smoking area is away from flammable materials like curtains or furniture.
Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended. When not in use, extinguish them completely and dispose of them safely.
Avoid smoking in bed at all costs! This is a major fire hazard even if you think the cigarette has been put out.
Never toss butts into dry grass or leaves, as they can still smolder and start a fire.
Consider purchasing a self-extinguishing ashtray that will put out lit cigarettes without the need to extinguish them manually.
When smoking in public, dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly and don’t leave them lying around on the ground or in planters.
Ensure that all smokers in your household know the dangers of smoking and these safety tips.
Exercise caution when drinking while smoking, as alcohol can impair your judgment and attention to fire safety.
Never smoke while taking medication that causes drowsiness or confusion; you may fall asleep with a lit cigarette, resulting in a serious fire hazard.

Arson:

Ensure all doors, windows, and other entry points are locked to minimize the risk of unwanted intruders. Install motion sensors or security cameras around your property for extra protection.
Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Be sure to store any flammable items such as gasoline safely, paint thinner, and propane tanks away from any heat sources, like stoves, furnaces, and heaters.
Check for loose wiring. Regularly inspect your property’s wiring to ensure a spark could easily ignite no exposed or frayed insulation. If you find any hazardous wiring, have it repaired immediately.
Install fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are an effective way to protect your property from arson fires. Have a professional install fire sprinklers throughout your home or business to extinguish any possible fires quickly.
Secure outdoor items. If you have large objects, like a boat, parked at your property, make sure they are well secured and can’t be easily moved or stolen. This will help deter potential arsonists from using them to access the interior of your building.
Enforce a no-smoking policy. It’s important to have a strict no-smoking policy that applies to all areas of your property. Allowing people to smoke inside can increase the risk of accidental fires, which arsonists may exploit.
Have effective fire alarms. Ensure you have functional fire alarms and smoke detectors installed throughout your building. This will give you early warning of any fires that may occur and allow you to respond quickly.
Create a fire extinguisher plan. Designate certain people in your business or residence as the “fire extinguisher” in an emergency. Give them access to portable fire extinguishers to immediately put out small fires before they become larger problems.
Stay alert and be prepared. Stay aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any suspicious activity. If you see anything unusual, report it to your local law enforcement agency immediately. Being proactive can help prevent arson fires from occurring in the first place.

Natural Disasters:

Create an Emergency Plan – First, create an emergency plan for your family and practice it regularly. Ensure everyone knows the evacuation route, where to meet after evacuation, and who to contact in an emergency.
Preventative Measures – You can do many things before a natural disaster that will help protect your home from fire. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, check and clean them regularly, and replace the batteries twice a year. Ensure fire extinguishers are in easy-to-access locations around the home. Prune trees that could fall onto your home or catch fire easily. Remove combustible materials close to your house, such as brush piles, woodpiles, and other flammable debris.
Prepare Your Home – To further protect your home from a natural disaster fire, prepare it ahead of time. Reinforce doors and windows with metal screens, or cover them with fireproof shutters. Install window glazing that can withstand heat to protect your windows from a fire. Ensure you have enough water and hoses to prevent fires that may start inside or outside the home.
Secure Important Documents – It’s also important to secure important documents and valuables ahead of time. Ensure you have copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, titles, deeds, and other valuable documents stored in a safe place outside the home.

What To Do When A Fire Accident Occurs

Fires are unexpected and devastating emergencies that can cause serious injury or death. Knowing what steps to take to stay safe during a fire accident is essential. Here are some tips on what to do if you’re ever faced with this situation:

Remain Calm – The most important thing to do is remain calm and assess the situation. Don’t rush into a burning building or try to take on fire alone if it is too large.
Get Out Quickly – If you can, move quickly and calmly towards the closest exit to get out of the building safely. Once outside, stay clear of the building and any other hazardous areas.
Call for Help – Immediately call 911 or your local emergency services to report the fire and get help on its way quickly.
Follow the Rules – If an evacuation is ordered, follow all instructions given by emergency personnel to stay safe and avoid further danger.
Take Precautions – If you are in a building prone to fires, such as an office or commercial space, take extra precautions to stay safe. Ensure hallways and stairwells are always clear, have fire extinguishers available, and keep emergency exits accessible.

Fire Accident Attorneys at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C.

Accidents involving fire that result in burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, painful procedures, and a lengthy recovery process.

At the law firm of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., we represent people and their families after they are injured or killed as a result of fire.

Our firm has handled personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of vehicle fires, industrial fires, building fires and fires on oil rigs and oil fields near Eagle Ford Shale, Texas, as well as others. We fully understand the critical need for recovering compensation for our clients.

Fires Have Many Sources, Resulting in Complex Litigation Proceedings

Personal injury claims arising out of fire accidents are often complex, since there may be multiple responsible parties. Negligent property owners, construction forepersons, contractors and manufacturers may all be held accountable under certain circumstances.

In order to accurately determine the proper sources of compensation, it is important to work with a law firm that has the skill and resources to pursue the best possible result.

Experienced Fire Lawyer Who Knows the Fire Accident Law Very Well

Our burn attorneys never hesitate to visit burn and explosion injury victims and their family members in the hospital. While we fight for the rights of the victims, competency issues may arise. Surgeries that require lengthy recoveries may affect a client’s ability to make decisions.

In those claims, we have the spouse or parent lookout for the victim’s best interests and serve as temporary decision-makers.

Contact our Corpus Christi fire accident lawyers for a no-obligation-free consultation.

Herrman-and-Herrman-Attorneys-e1459884433305 From our offices in Corpus Christi, Texas, we represent people who have been injured or killed as the result of fires throughout Texas’ Gulf Region.

If you have been injured in a fire or lost a loved one as the result of a fire, our burn injury law firm can assist you. The lawyers at Herrman and Herrman are here to hold the negligent parties responsible and alleviate the financial stress that you’re under, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact a Texas fire accident attorney today to discuss your legal remedies.