Dothan House Fire Damage Lawyer

Every day, people suffer serious injuries in house fires in Dothan and throughout Alabama. For every 1,000 fires that occur in Alabama, 11 injuries and eight deaths occur, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

If you have injuries from a fire in Dothan due to someone else’s wrongdoing, you can face incredible hardship due to medical bills, missed work, and property damage. Gartlan Injury Law has over 25 years of experience helping injured Alabama residents. We’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your burn injuries and fire-related losses. With a proven track record of success, you can count on us for honest and aggressive legal representation. 

Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Dothan house fire damage lawyer. We will be dedicated to pursuing the best possible outcome in your case and pursuing a full recovery of your medical expenses, lost wages, and all other losses related to your injuries.

We represent personal injury clients on a contingency basis, meaning you will pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation.

What Are Possible Causes of House Fires in Dothan?

Burns are a common injury. Car accidents and accidents within homes and apartments often cause them. House fires often result from inadequate fire prevention, faulty infrastructure, and defective appliances, such as:

• Frayed and defective wiring
• Open flames
• Inadequate electrical maintenance
• Defective gas appliances
• Flammable liquids (such as cooking grease fires)
• Faulty HVAC
• Gas/electric dryers
• Malfunctioning portable heaters
• Faulty smoke detectors
• Lack of fire suppressant systems
• Improperly disposed materials (such as cigarette butts and hot coals)
• Deliberate acts (such as arson).

In most cases, the fire is no mere “accident.” Instead, it is the result of negligence by one or more parties.

What Injuries Can Result From a Dothan House Fire?

House fires in Dothan cause severe injuries requiring extensive treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Three of the most common injuries are:

• Burns – Thermal burns fall into three degrees based on severity and level of skin penetration. Burns cause extraordinary pain and, without extensive surgery, they may result in permanent scars.
• Smoke inhalation – Smoke and particle inhalation can cause internal burns and damage the eyes, mouth, throat, trachea, esophagus, and lungs. In severe cases, smoke inhalation can cause nausea, fainting, and even seizures.
• Anoxic brain injuries – Carbon monoxide from fires can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to permanent brain injuries and cognitive issues.

What Property Damage Can a House Fire Cause?

Fires in Dothan can also cause massive structural damage, posing a risk to inhabitants. The intense heat and flames damage building materials, making them more likely to fail. For example, a roof with extensive fire damage may be at risk of collapsing and causing injury.

Fires also result in soot and smoke damage, and the home might get water damage from firefighting efforts. Fires can damage anything in the home’s vicinity, such as vehicles and other buildings.

What Steps Should You Take After a House Fire?

After ensuring your and your family’s safety and contacting emergency authorities, you should do the following after a residential fire in Dothan:

• Start documenting the damage and your injuries – You should get pictures and/or video recordings.
• Contact the building owner – If the home is someone else’s property, get their contact info and homeowners’ insurance information so you can file a claim. You should also catalog your personal possessions damaged by the fire, smoke, and/or water.
• See a doctor – A medical professional can formally diagnose your injuries and provide medical documentation proving your condition.
• Contact Gartlan Injury Law – Before you speak with the homeowner’s insurance company or accept a settlement offer from the insurance provider, consult our personal injury attorneys for legal guidance. We will work with you to determine your options for financial compensation, gather evidence, and initiate the formal personal injury case claim process.

Who Can Be Held at Fault for a House Fire in Dothan?

Several parties could be liable for a house fire, depending on the cause, including the following:

• Owners/landlords – Property owners and landlords can be liable if the fire occurred due to negligent maintenance or a lack of fire safety equipment. For instance, if a landlord neglects regular electrical inspections, they can be liable if faulty wiring causes a fire.
• Product manufacturers – If a fire occurred due to a faulty appliance, such as a furnace or space heater, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
• Negligent contractors – Negligent contractors or maintenance crews can be liable if errors create fire risks, like faulty gas line repairs.
• Other parties – Any other party that negligently causes a fire or contributes to a lack of proper fire safety measures can be responsible for injuries.

What Happens If a Utility Company Causes a House Fire?

If a utility company serving Dothan causes a fire through negligent grid maintenance, it can be held liable for any fire damage to homes. For instance, the company may be liable if it fails to fix damaged power lines or replace malfunctioning transformers. Pursuing a large utility company for fire injuries will require the help of experienced personal injury attorneys who understand how to go after huge businesses and deal with insurance companies on behalf of injury victims.

What Compensation Can You Seek in a Dothan House Fire Lawsuit?

You may be able to pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses, depending on the nature of the fire and the extent of your injuries:

• Medical bills and continuing medical expenses
• Lost work income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Miscellaneous injury expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage
• Punitive damages.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a House Fire Damage Lawsuit in Alabama?

Alabama’s time limit for personal injury claims is two years from the injury date. Similarly, the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim due to fire injuries is two years from the date of death. Determining liability and seeking justice in a burn injury case takes time. Your lawyer must conduct a thorough investigation, collect evidence, calculate damages, and complete many other tasks. So, the sooner you seek legal help, the sooner you can take legal action.

A different time limit applies if the fire resulted from a faulty appliance. The time limit for filing a product liability claim for fire injuries is one year from the injury date. You can’t file a product liability claim if it’s been over 10 years since you bought the defective product that caused the injury.

Get Help from a Dothan House Fire Damage Attorney

Fires can be devastating, given the injuries and property damage they cause. Still, you have options for relief if the fire resulted from someone else’s negligence. Gartlan Injury Law can take several actions on your behalf, providing the effective legal representation you need to pursue compensation for your losses. 

Our law firm takes pride in its commitment to individual cases and has a history of satisfied clients who attest to our skills, integrity, and tenacity. We promise to do everything in our team’s power to hold the liable parties accountable for your fire injuries, fight for your due compensation, and keep you updated and informed at every step.

Contact us today for a free case review with a burn injuries lawyer in Dothan. We review the specific facts in your case and discuss your rights and legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis. You will pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Visit Our Dothan House Fire Damage Law Offices