$1M Burn Injury Lawsuit Against Houston Apartment Complex For Faulty Wiring
HOUSTON - A 43 year old mother of three suffered severe burns at a northeast Houston apartment complex seek the facility for more than $1 million. The mother, a four year tenant says she had no time to evade the bursting flame, which the Houston Fire Department says engulfed her kitchen in minutes. The mother says she contacted maintenance several times this year after noticing sparks in the eye of her stove, but says she was forced to keep cooking for her children. The fire ignited while she was cooking, causing her to suffer severe burns to hear head, neck, and shoulder area. Sneed & Mitchell LLP has been retained as counsel and plans to file the lawsuit in the coming weeks.
Landlords in Harris County and throughout the State of Texas have certain responsibilities to uphold, but apartment owners, managers, or their employees fail to ensure the health and safety of their tenants, innocents people are placed as risk. The landlord's negligence was discovered in the aftermath of a fire and has caused the victim to experience life-altering injuries and disfigurement.
How Do Fires Start Within An Apartment Complex?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are several ways a fire can start within an apartment complex. One of the most common is faulty wiring. This can happen when electrical cords are frayed or when there are too many appliances plugged into one outlet. Another way fires can start is via cooking equipment. This includes anything from stoves and ovens to toasters and microwaves. If these devices are not properly used or maintained, they can easily cause a fire. Finally, careless smoking is another leading cause of apartment fires. This can happen if cigarettes are not properly extinguished or if ashtrays are not emptied regularly. By being aware of these potential fire hazards, tenants can help to prevent a devastating fire from breaking out in their apartment complex.
Other Common Causes of Burn Injury Lawsuits
Burn injuries can be some of the most debilitating and painful injuries a person can suffer. If you or a loved one has been seriously burned in an accident, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In order to recover damages in a burn injury case, you will need to prove that someone else was at fault for your injuries. Here are four common scenarios that can lead to successful burn injury verdicts:
Negligent maintenance of premises: If a property owner fails to properly maintain their premises and this results in a fire that causes burn injuries, the property owner may be held liable.
Defective products: If a defective product causes a fire that results in burn injuries, the manufacturer of the product may be held liable.
Car accidents: If another driver causes an accident that results in a fire and burn injuries, the at-fault driver may be held liable.
Trucking accident: Fires can be caused by a mechanical issues and product failures, or when the 18 wheeler or semi crashes causing chemical combustion due to products onboard or a gasoline ignition.
Medical malpractice: If a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide proper care and this results in burns or other injuries, the medical professional may be held liable.
Apartment complex negligence: Fault wiring, or damaged or frayed wires, create a risk of sparks and short circuits. Some fires are also triggered a lack of building code compliance, such as broken fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or use of old products such as outdated space heaters.
If you have been seriously injured in a fire, it is important to speak with an experienced personal.
The Forms of Compensation Awarded In Burn Cases
If you've been burned due to someone else's negligence or reckless actions, you may be wondering what forms of compensation are available to you through a civil lawsuit. There are generally three types of damages that can be awarded in a civil suit here in Texas: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages are intended to reimburse the victim for financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are designed to compensate the victim for intangible losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Punitive damages are rarely awarded and are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious misconduct. This often involves cases where a defendant is found liable under a theory of strict liability. Regardless of the type of damages you're seeking, it's important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you maximize your chances of recovery.
How Much Is A Burn Injury Lawsuit Worth?
The average settlement for a third degree burn lawsuits is around $500,000, while the average settlement amount for a first-degree burn is around $20,000. The pain and suffering caused by a burn injury can be immense, and the physical and emotional scarring can last a lifetime. For the insurance company, however, the answer is likely to be much less than “priceless.” Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine the value of a personal injury claim, including the severity of the injury, the age of the victim, and the expected cost of medical treatment. In addition, insurance companies often try to low-ball victims in an effort to settle claims quickly and cheaply. As a result, it is important for burn injury victims to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your claim and determine the proper burn injury settlement range in your circumstance.
Houston Burn Injury Lawyers
Sneed & Mitchell LLP has been fighting for the rights of burn injury victims since the founding of our law firm. We knows the ins and outs of the legal system and has a proven track record of success. If you or a loved one has been injured in an apartment fire or anywhere else, it is important to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. The insurance company will have their team of lawyers working to minimize the amount they have to pay out, and you need someone on your side who is looking out for your best interests.
Attorneys Niles Sneed and Brit Mitchell will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all the paperwork and negotiation with the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery. When hiring Sneed & Mitchell LLP, you are also retaining a contingency fee law firm, meaning you pay nothing until your case is successful. Contact Sneed & Mitchell today for a free consultation by calling 713-800-6676. Or fill out our quick contact form and one of our attorneys will call you immediately.