In 2021, 889 Alabama wildfires burned approximately 15,221 acres, but the damage of fires and burn injuries can sadly go beyond the force of nature. Destructive fires at residential and commercial locations result in loss of life and property across the state every year.
How were you and your family affected? At Norris Injury Lawyers, your needs are the priority. We can help you get fair compensation when we take on your case. But first, we need to hear your story to discern how we can help you win what you deserve.
Start a free conversation with us now by clicking the chat icon at the bottom of the page, or call (800) 477-7510 at your earliest convenience. We can get you what you need to cover the damages you have suffered.
How Disastrous Fires Start
Many fun family outings have centered around a fire. Loved ones can cuddle near the flames for warmth and prepare delicious meals from barbecue to s’mores. Yet, fires that get out of control can spell disaster for anyone and anything in its path.
What are the culprits? One WSFA interview with a fire chief reveals some surprising reasons behind dangerous fires.
Soil
Some assume that burying a fire or extinguishing a cigarette in a potted plant are safe practices. Yet, many fires have begun with these seemingly innocent practices.
Trees, peat, and dead vegetation are flammable. If soil that contains them dries out, these organic materials can ignite. Monitoring soil moisture can prevent this from happening without warning.
Potted plants should never be used as an ashtray. Most potting soil contains shredded wood, bark, styrofoam, and a mineral called vermiculite. This mixture can catch on fire, and any fertilizers present can increase the intensity and speed of the blaze.
Weather
High winds and low humidity increase the probability of fires. Burning is not a good idea if the wind exceeds 15 mph or if the relative humidity falls below 25 percent.
If someone ignores weather conditions, he or she could start a fire that destroys properties and causes burn injuries. Birmingham courts could hold such a person liable for his or her negligent actions.
Legal burns
The outdoor burning season begins in the spring in Alabama. Jefferson County residents can burn leaves, grass, and other items in approved fire pits or outdoor fireplaces.
The burning of building materials and demolition debris is legal, but the City of Birmingham sets necessary regulations to prevent residential, business, and construction site accidents:
- You cannot burn during bans, including from May 1 to October 31 of each year
- You must obtain permits for burns in other locations besides approved pits and fireplaces
- You must respect subdivision covenants against open burning
- You must keep burns 500 feet from the nearest neighbor’s home
- You cannot have a large fire any closer than 50 feet from any other structure
- Burns must occur between 8 am and sunset, except in the case of bonfires
- You cannot burn within 150 feet of a public road or 250 feet of a major highway (e.g. I-65 / US 31)
- Burning trash, tires, and shingles is prohibited
- A sober adult should attend fires at all times
If you suffered a burn injury due to someone breaking burn regulations, you need a Norris. During your free consultation, learn how the law protects you against negligent fire starters.
Trash
US environmental agencies regulate the disposal of potentially hazardous household products. For instance, you should not discard the following items in your trash since they could explode, catch fire, or react with other materials:
- Ammunition
- Flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, motor oil, oil-based paints, kerosene)
- Hazardous chemicals (e.g. ammonia, bleach, paint thinner, pesticide, pool treatment chemicals)
- Electronics
- Propellants
- Compressed gas containers
- Batteries
- Charcoal or charcoal bags
- Ashes
Guidelines regarding what to do with these items is available on the City of Birmingham website.
Christmas trees
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2015 and 2019, Christmas trees were responsible for:
- 160 home structure fires
- 12 civilians suffering burn injuries
- 2 civilian deaths
- $10 million in direct property damage
“Fresh Christmas trees…continue to dry out and become more flammable over time.” Some avoid natural trees or take them down soon after the holiday season to reduce the risk of fire.
The NFPA recommends:
- Refraining from putting a tree in the garage or leaving it outside; Birmingham residents can recycle trees via curbside pickups on their regular trash pick-up days. (Chipped trees are used for city landscaping projects.)
- Inspecting lights and electrical decorations for damage each year, discarding any with loose connections, broken sockets, cracked or stripped wires, or water damage
- Unplugging electrical cords using the gripping area so as not to harm the wire or cord insulation
- Setting a tree in a container of water and allow it to absorb it for at least 24 hours before placing it in your home
- Keeping trees away from open flame or heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters
A burn injury attorney with Norris Injury Lawyers can determine the amount of compensation you qualify to claim if your burn injuries or property damage resulted from the improper handling of Christmas decorations.
Arson
Fires can start from spontaneous combustion or a human error accident. However, some fires are intentional acts of fraud, vandalism, or other criminal behaviors.
Handling the trauma of burn injuries is enough on its own. A Norris personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and take steps to get you the compensation you deserve.
An innocent flame can turn into a menacing fire for many reasons besides these discussed above. For a personalized review of your case, contact our Birmingham team of burn injury lawyers to learn your options.
When You Did Your Part to Prevent Fire
Did you rely on a non-functioning smoke detector to alert you of fire on your property? Did regularly serviced fire extinguishers fail you when you needed them the most? If so, a defective product might have contributed to your burn injury.
Alabama law requires liable corporations to pay for the damages caused by their faulty consumer products.
Burn Injuries That Change Lives
An experienced Birmingham burn injury lawyer knows that your injuries will affect your life long after your hospital stay is over. Too many victims realize that an insurance settlement is insufficient once they have already signed away their rights.
Long-lasting injuries
Burn injury lawyers can ensure that doesn’t happen to you. At our law firm, we fight to the end to win compensation that accounts for life-transforming, long-term fire injuries, such as:
- Redness or discoloration
- Swelling
- Tissue damage
- Blisters
- Pain
- Nerve damage
- Numbness
- Disfigurement
- Scars
- Secondary infections
Emotional and psychological injuries
A farsighted burn injury lawyer can seek compensation for your future needs associated with your burn injuries, not just your past or present medical expenses. Our law team also pursues damages for emotional and psychological injuries.
You could be entitled to money for:
- Adaptive medical devices
- Counseling
- CT scans
- Emergency services
- Hospital fees
- Medication
- Mobility aids
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Surgeries
- Transportation to your medical appointments
- X-rays
Wrongful death
Reports show about 2.9 deaths per 1,000 fires in Alabama in 2019. What should you do if your loved one died in a fire? Family members or an estate representative could receive money to pay for burdensome expenses, namely:
- Past medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Burial or cremation fees
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in specific types of cases
Do you have questions about what it is like to file a burn injury case that involves serious injury or death? Our personal injury lawyers have over 40 years of experience. Leave us a message with your concerns, and we will let you know how we can help.
Hope and Financial Help for Burn Victims
Our burn injury attorneys have seen how a severe burn injury can affect a person’s life and career. Our heart goes out to those undergoing this situation, so we make it easy to afford quality legal assistance. Our law firm’s No Fee Guarantee® allows burn injury victims to seek compensation without worrying about owing money out of pocket.
Your amount of compensation could include:
- Lost wages
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Funds to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property
Burn injury lawsuits are one way to recover financially from the costs associated with grave burn injuries. Your access to a Birmingham burn injury attorney will not cost you a penny unless we win your personal injury lawsuit, workers’ compensation benefits, or negotiate a settlement for you.
So why wait another second? Our live chat representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule your free legal consultation.
Our Capable Burn Injury Attorneys Are Standing By
If a Birmingham fire injured you or a close family member, you deserve to know your rights. Take advantage of the free case review with Norris Injury Lawyers. There is no obligation to hire us after your consultation, so you can make your appointment with confidence.
Feel free to contact us anytime, 24/7, but don’t wait too long to get in touch. Statutes in Alabama limit how long you have to start a personal injury case, and once you lose the opportunity to file, you can’t get it back again.
A relentless commitment to justice, unwavering dedication, and the passion to win are the qualities you can affect from Norris Injury Lawyers. Experience for yourself the trustworthy legal service that has recovered millions of dollars for people like you. Dial (800) 477-7510 without delay.
