Fire Injuries at Retail Stores In California

When you go shopping at one of California’s many stores, you’re probably not expecting to come into contact with a fire. Unfortunately, though, these retail stores have numerous possible scenarios where a fire and resulting injury could happen to you or a loved one.

No matter what store you’re in, our team of dedicated California fire injury lawyers at Maison Law is here to help you if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. We will help explain your legal rights and guide you through the necessary steps to secure financial support from the store owner, management, or even the manufacturer of the product. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Should You Do After Being Injured in a California Retail Store Fire?

While it can be difficult to think about, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to be injured by a fire at a California retail store. After all, it’s even more unsurprising if you consider the number of possible scenarios–contacting hot coils on a heater, or being sprayed with boiling water from a busted pipe. Regardless, though, there are certain things you should do to make sure your health, safety, and potential legal rights are protected in the aftermath of an accident:

• Record the incident details – If possible, jot down what occurred during the incident. Note down the time, place, and the circumstances surrounding the fire and any injuries. Also, try to remember particulars about the heat source, product, and area within the store.
• Tell management – Notify an employee or a manager about the fire incident. This aids them in maintaining records and addressing potential risks associated with the open heat source.
• Follow doctor’s orders – The primary concern after a fire injury is the risk of further injury from the burn. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines for cleaning the wound to prevent complications and further damage. By following these steps, you can protect your health and gather crucial information for any legal or insurance claims related to the fire incident.
• Preserve evidence – Keep any evidence linked to the incident, such as photographs of the heat source, fire, product, damaged clothing, or any other relevant items. This evidence can be invaluable if you decide to pursue a claim.

Remember that by following these steps, you not only protect your well-being but also gather essential information that may be vital for potential legal or insurance claims following a fire incident in California. However, it’s important to understand how liability for the incident applies, especially when it happens on a retail store’s property.

Who is Responsible For a Retail Store Fire in California?

When you’ve been injured by a fire in a retail store, someone is responsible. That said, just who–or what–is responsible legally for covering your damages depends on the specific circumstances.

Under California law, a retail store has a responsibility for taking care of their customers, protecting them from:

• Unsafe conditions or accidents resulting in injuries that happen on their property due to their negligence.

If they neglect this duty, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries or accidents. Further, multiple people or parties can be responsible at the same time, making a potential claim a bit more complex. Generally speaking, though, liability can fall on any of the following in these incidents:

• Store owner – The owner of the retail store may be held responsible if the fire was caused by their negligence, such as failing to maintain fire safety equipment or not adhering to building codes and regulations.
• Building owner/landlord – If the store is located in a leased or rented property, the building owner or landlord may share responsibility if the fire resulted from issues related to the building’s structure or maintenance. This could include faulty wiring, inadequate fire suppression systems, or other building-related problems.
• Employees – Sometimes, the actions or negligence of store employees can cause a fire. For example, if an employee mishandles flammable materials or improperly uses equipment, it could lead to a fire for which they may be liable.
• Contractors or maintenance companies – Many retail stores have contracted maintenance or repair work that may be improperly performed and lead to fires. When that happens, the contractors or maintenance companies responsible for the work may share liability.
• Manufacturers or suppliers – If a defective product or faulty equipment sold by the store contributed to the fire, the manufacturers or suppliers of those products may be held responsible.
• Third parties – In some cases, fires may be intentionally set by arsonists or caused by third parties not associated with the store. In such instances, the responsible parties would be those who committed the arson or caused the fire through their actions.

To find out who’s responsible for a retail store fire, you usually need a detailed investigation by fire experts, insurance companies, and others. In these situations, it can be crucial to talk to our team of experienced fire injury lawyers who understand how the law works with regard to your injuries and property damage. We can help you figure out exactly what happened and who’s at fault. From there, though, you’ll need to focus on your specific injuries and what you’ll need to do to get better.

Injuries in Retail Store Fires in California

While a fire can bring a lot of uncertainty, what it typically also involves are extensive injuries and damage that can last for the duration of your life. Worse yet, the more severe the burn is, the more complicated your potential recovery and treatment may be. Generally speaking, though, fires at retail stores in California result in the following injuries:

• Burns – Retail store fires often result in burn injuries, which can range from minor to life-threatening. These injuries can cause pain, scarring, and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Smoke Inhalation – Inhaling smoke during a store fire can lead to respiratory problems and damage to the lungs. Smoke inhalation injuries can be particularly dangerous, especially if there are toxic fumes present in the fire.
• Trauma and falls – In the chaos of a fire, people may suffer injuries from falls, being knocked over, or trying to escape. These injuries can include fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
• Skin damage – Broken glass, debris, or sharp objects within the store can cause cuts and abrasions as people attempt to flee through the smoke and flames. Further, severe burns can result in skin and nerve damage, usually necessitating surgery and skin grafts.
• Psychological trauma – Witnessing or experiencing a store fire can result in emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders.
• Secondary infections – Injuries sustained during a store fire can become prone to infection, particularly if proper medical care is delayed or compromised.

No matter what the extent of your injuries are, you’re likely going to need a lot of support to recover. From our perspective as experienced California fire injury lawyers, we can help you put together a claim that covers your damages and other losses.

Filing a Claim for a Fire Injury in California

When you decide to pursue a fire injury claim in California, it’s vital to grasp the process involved. When the incident happens at a retail store, the steps for filing a claim follows the same procedure as any other injury.

With this context in mind, here are the general steps for filing a fire injury claim in California:

• Filing an insurance claim – Typically, you’ll need to submit your claim to both the responsible party’s insurance company. Usually, this will be with a liability policy. In these claims, provide comprehensive details about the incident, your injuries, and the damages you’ve suffered.
• Negotiating a settlement – The insurance company will usually propose a settlement to resolve your claim. Our team can assist you in assessing the offer and negotiating for a fair settlement that adequately covers all your damages.
• Filing a lawsuit – If an agreement cannot be reached with the insurance companies, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties to pursue financial support for your injuries. Our team will represent you in court and safeguard your legal rights.

Damages

The primary objective of any fire injury claim is to recover specific damages related to your injuries. This is particularly crucial in a fire injury case because the injuries can be severe and long-lasting, in addition to other physical and psychological consequences stemming from the incident. In a typical California fire injury claim, the following damages are available:

• Medical expenses and ongoing care, including surgeries, physical therapy or rehabilitation.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Lost income due to work absences.
• Property damage related to the incident.
• Punitive damages, if the store’s negligence was considered excessive.

The extent of your injuries will dictate the actual amount you may receive. Also, it’s important to remember that fire injury claims in California are subject to a statute of limitations, requiring you to file your claim within two years from the date of the incident. Failing to meet this deadline could result in forfeiting your right to seek damages for your injuries.

Experienced Legal Support Following a California Retail Store Fire Injury

When you or a loved one suffer an injury in a fire incident at a California retail store, having experienced legal support can make a difficult situation much easier. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California fire injury lawyers understands what goes into these claims and what you need to do to put together a successful case for benefits and support. Don’t wait–contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to get started on your recovery.