Three firefighters leave a burning apartment complex.Unfortunately, apartment complex tenants may suffer burn injuries due to landlord negligence. Apartment tenant burns are most likely to be sustained from a fire or a water burn injury. As tenants are entitled to safety and security while in their apartments, when a landlord fails to keep tenants and others reasonably safe, they may be held liable for any injuries resulting from an apartment complex burn.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been burned while in an apartment complex. Contact the experienced team of attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to evaluate your case. Call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online to receive your free, no-obligation case review. Attorney Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ established the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm and quickly turned it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win.

Apartment Complex Burn Injury Causes

Many things may lead to an apartment tenant becoming burned that a property owner’s diligence may have prevented, such as:

  •   Burns from sinks, showers, or other water fixtures.
  •   Frayed or damaged wires leading to a fire
  •   Lack of smoke detectors/fire alarms
  •   Old or faulty appliances
  •   Blocked fire exits
  •   Overcrowding
  •   Heating equipment
  •   Building code violations
  •   Controlling apartment temperatures

Personal Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has sustained a burn injury that can be traced back to the negligence of your apartment complex landlord, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and funeral costs in the event of a wrongful death.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?

If you have been burned from either a fire or hot water exposure in an apartment, the first thing you should do is receive medical treatment. Next, you should speak with an experienced attorney to determine if you have a case. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to review the facts surrounding your unique case to determine whether or not your injuries were caused due to the negligence of another party. Burn accident injury victims may sustain severe injuries that can be permanent or require a substantial time to heal. If you suspect that your landlord may be negligent, it is essential to remember that other community members may be in danger. Speak with an attorney so that no one else may have to suffer what you have gone through. Your attorney will investigate the cause of the injury, determine who was at fault, calculate your damage, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Are Property Owners Obligated to Protect the Public?

Homeowners, landlords, and other building and property owners in Georgia are legally obligated to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe. Landlords are obligated to ensure that their building is up to code, does not have faulty wiring, is not overcrowded, has adequate fire safety devices, and does not have water fixtures that could burn their tenants. A landlord’s obligation may include:

  •   Installing and maintaining fire alarm systems
  •   Fire suppression systems
  •   Fire extinguishers
  •   Properly operating smoke detectors

Federal, state, and local levels of government have adopted the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 in the U.S. The NFPA 72 specifies “the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire warning equipment, and emergency warning equipment and their components.” Cities often adopt revisions of the code and make local fire codes specific to their governing authorities.

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Several key warning signs can indicate a faulty wiring problem. Both landlords and tenants should keep an eye out for the following:

  • Burning smells
  • Charred or darkened outlets and switches
  • Dimming or flickering lights
  • Frequently blown breakers or fuses
  • Hot ceiling fixtures or light switches
  • Outlets that emit shocks

Overcrowding

Landlords and property owners have a duty to know who resides in an apartment. In addition, they need to ensure that the number of occupants living in an apartment complex does not exceed the building’s occupancy allowance. Overcrowding may lead to the following:

  •   An increase in the amount of combustible fuel for a fire. This can change the behavior of fire and lead to a more intense and aggressive fire.
  •   An increase in the risk of ignition because of a more significant number of electrical appliances and excessive use of appliances like washing machines and dryers.
  •   Obstructions to the safe evacuation of occupants.
  •   Limitations of access for firefighters can exacerbate the number of deaths and injuries.

Water Burns

A landlord must ensure that all sinks, showers, and other water fixtures are equipped with handles that prevent the water temperature from exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperatures that exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit have the potential to cause severe burns. Third-degree burns may be caused by seconds of contact with water that exceeds 133 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are around hot water in your apartment, be sure to check the water temperature before exposing yourself to it. No water source in your apartment should be able to produce water that has a temperature exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Controlling Apartment Temperatures

When landlords attempt to control the temperature of units, it may leave tenants with no alternative but to resort to alternative heating methods, which may be unsafe and lead to a fire. Therefore, controlling the temperature of apartment units can be landlord negligence.

Burn Injury Victims

The American Burn Association reports that more than 485,000 victims of burn injuries were treated in the U.S. from 2011-2015. 73% of burn injuries in the U.S. occur in the home. Burn injuries may be devastating financially and emotionally. Burn injury victims may require skin grafts, plastic surgery, at-home care, counseling, or other medical treatments. Burn injury victims may sustain injuries that have life-long impacts

Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one are the victim of a burn injury, do not rush to accept a settlement from an insurer. As insurance companies are often for-profit corporations, they often attempt to cut costs by offering settlements that are almost always well below their full value. Instead, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney with experience handling burn injury cases after a burn injury. Call Ali Awad, ‘the CEO Lawyer,’ and his experienced team of personal injury accident attorneys today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation. We can assist you with exploring your legal options and avenues to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm by calling (470) 323-8779 or contacting us online. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some of the most common personal injury law questions for general information, and then reach out to one of our seasoned attorneys for specific guidance on your case!

What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your life. Each personal injury case is unique, and the combination of these factors varies from one case to another. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide you with a more precise estimate of your case’s value by reviewing the specific details of your situation. They will analyze similar cases in your jurisdiction, consider the legal precedents, and use their knowledge of past settlements and verdicts to gauge a realistic potential outcome for your case. This estimate helps you understand what you might expect regarding compensation and guides the negotiation or litigation process to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

After an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, to address any hidden injuries. Document everything, including photos of the scene and contact information for witnesses. Gathering witness statements is crucial because they provide an objective account of the accident, supporting your version of events and strengthening your personal injury claim. Report the incident to the proper authorities, such as the police or property owner. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and protect your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How Much Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case. If you win your case, whether through a settlement or a court judgment, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. If you don't win your case, you usually won’t owe the lawyer any fees for their services.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case?

The timeline for resolving a personal injury case can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, making it difficult to predict exactly how long your case will take. The complexity of the case is a major determining factor. For instance, straightforward cases with clear liability and minimal disputes over damages can sometimes be resolved relatively quickly, often within a few months. These cases may involve negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company, which can happen promptly if all parties are cooperative and the evidence is strong.