Panama City Fire & Explosion Injuries

Seeking Compensation for Burn Victims in Florida

Few types of accidents are as devastating as fires and explosions. Those who survive these accidents often suffer from severe, debilitating injuries, and many people do not survive at all. In addition to the physical and emotional pain associated with a fire or explosion, victims also face substantial financial losses. After such an accident, it is important to know that you have options and that you can take legal action to recover compensation for your losses.

At Perry & Young, our Panama City fire and explosion injury attorneys have seen firsthand how these accidents can impact a person and their family. We are passionate about helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve to help them move forward with their lives. Our team has the experience and the skills to handle even the most complex fire and explosion claims, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

For a free consultation with our team, please call (850) 215-7777 or online.

Types of Fire and Explosion Accidents

There are many ways in which a fire or explosion can occur, and each type of accident is unique. However, all fires and explosions can cause serious injuries and losses to victims. Some common types of fire and explosion accidents include the following.

Motor Vehicle Fires and Explosions

Motor vehicles can catch fire or explode for a number of reasons. In some cases, a manufacturing defect or a design flaw causes a fire or explosion. In others, a motor vehicle catches fire after a collision or rollover accident. Fuel system defects are often to blame for these types of fires and explosions. In still other cases, a motor vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line, causing the vehicle to catch fire.

Workplace Fires and Explosions

Workplace fires and explosions can occur in any industry, but some industries have a higher risk of these types of accidents. Some of the most dangerous industries when it comes to fires and explosions include the construction industry, the oil and gas industry, and the manufacturing industry. These types of accidents can result from defective machinery, faulty wiring, or even flammable chemicals on a job site.

Residential Fires and Explosions

Homeowners have a right to expect that their homes are safe from fires and explosions. However, there are many different ways in which these types of accidents can occur. Some home fires are caused by a defective product, such as a faulty space heater or an appliance with a defective cord. Other home fires are the result of a wiring problem. When it comes to home explosions, a defective gas line is often to blame. In some cases, a manufacturing defect or a design flaw causes a fire or explosion.

Chemical Fires and Explosions

Chemical fires and explosions can occur in a number of different settings, including manufacturing plants, oil refineries, and even in the home. These types of accidents can result from a number of different causes, including poor maintenance, improper storage, and even a design defect in the equipment used to handle the chemicals. Chemical fires and explosions can cause severe injuries, including chemical burns and inhalation injuries.

Common Fire and Explosion Injuries

As mentioned above, fires and explosions can cause a variety of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include the following.

• Burns: Burns are one of the most common types of injuries in fire and explosion accidents. There are three types of burns: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree burns are the least severe and only affect the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath, and third-degree burns are the most severe and go through all the layers of skin. Third-degree burns can also affect the muscles, nerves, and even the bones. Burns can result in significant scarring and disfigurement and may require ongoing medical care.
• Smoke Inhalation: Smoke inhalation is another common injury in fire accidents. Smoke is full of dangerous toxins, and inhaling these toxins can cause serious lung damage. In severe cases, smoke inhalation can be fatal.
• Blast Injuries: In explosions, victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries. In some cases, the force of the blast itself can cause injuries, such as broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. In other cases, victims can suffer from injuries caused by flying debris. In still other cases, victims can suffer from injuries caused by the pressure of the blast, such as lung injuries and eardrum damage.

Recovering Compensation for Fire and Explosion Injuries

After a fire or explosion, victims may be able to recover compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim. In a personal injury claim, the victim must prove that the party that caused the fire or explosion was negligent. Negligence occurs when a person or a party fails to use the appropriate level of care and causes an accident as a result. Negligence can take many forms in fire and explosion cases, including the following.

• Motor vehicle manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their vehicles are safe for consumers. If a design defect or a manufacturing defect causes a dangerous fire or explosion, the manufacturer can be held liable.
• Employers in Florida have a duty to provide their employees with a safe working environment. This includes ensuring that the workplace is free of fire and explosion hazards. If an employer fails to take the necessary precautions and a fire or explosion occurs, the employer can be held liable.
• Homeowners also have a duty to take the necessary precautions to ensure that their homes are safe from fire and explosion hazards. If a homeowner fails to take these precautions and a fire or explosion occurs, the homeowner can be held liable.
• Chemical manufacturers and chemical companies also have a duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If a chemical product is dangerous and causes a fire or explosion, the manufacturer or the company can be held liable.

Once negligence is proven, the victim can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the actual financial losses the victim has suffered, while non-economic damages are the more intangible losses the victim has suffered, such as pain and suffering. Some common types of damages in fire and explosion cases include the following.

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages, both current and future
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

How Our Panama City Fire and Explosion Injury Attorneys Can Help

After a fire or explosion, many victims are left with serious injuries and substantial financial losses. In addition, victims are often unsure of what to do or where to turn for help. That is where we come in.

At Perry & Young, our team can investigate your case, determine who is liable, and gather the evidence needed to prove your case. We can also negotiate with the insurance company and fight for you in court, if necessary. Our goal is to help you secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to so that you can move forward with your life.

For a free consultation with our team, call (850) 215-7777 today.