Jacksonville Premises Liability Lawyer: Fires

All property owners have a legal obligation to keep their guests reasonably safe. This means that they are required to keep their property in good condition and observe basic safety protocol whenever guests are around. When they fail to do this, one of the worst accidents that can result is an unexpected fire. Jacksonville accident attorney Don Guthrie is committed to helping fire victims see justice done.

Common Causes of Fires

In both homes and businesses, some of the most common causes of unplanned fires are:

• Electric appliances that have been misused or poorly maintained. Frayed wiring and overloaded electrical outlets greatly increase the risk of a fire.
• Cluttered conditions. Piles of paper products, clothing, or other flammable materials are a serious danger in a fire, as they can turn a small spark into a large blaze very quickly.
• Heaters that are not correctly maintained. Heaters can be knocked on one side, placed too close to flammable materials, or poorly monitored, leading to dangerous conditions.

Safe Response to Fires

Businesses are legally required to have safety plans for customers in the event of a fire. If a store, hotel, or other public building does not have adequate fire escapes or emergency plans, the owners may be responsible for any injuries that result. The safety requirements for homeowners are not as strict, but people do have a responsibility towards any invited guests on their private property.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire due to the property owner's negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury suit. For more information, contact Jacksonville burn injury lawyer Don Guthrie at 904-493-6455.