QUESTION
Can I sue after being involved in a house fire?
Asked on Nov 09th, 2011 on Personal Injury - Michigan
More details to this question:
I was in a house fire earlier this month. It was an electrical accident caused by the negligence of a contractor who was working on the house. One of our close friends suggested that we retain counsel and begin civil procedures against the contractor.
20 ANSWERS
Personal Injury Attorney serving Marietta, GA
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Law Office of Ronald Arthur Lowry
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Did you get injured? If so and the contractor was negligent, which caused the fire, you may have a case.
Answered on Jun 26th, 2013 at 1:44 AM
Steven D. Dunnings
What proof of negligence do you have?
Answered on Jun 26th, 2013 at 1:43 AM
Employment Law Attorney serving Beverly Hills, CA
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Dordick Law Corporation
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Yes you can sue if you were actually injured.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Assault Attorney serving Richardson, TX
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Your friend is correct. I like this kind of suit as the defendant can pay what is due.
Answered on Nov 17th, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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You did not say what your damage was. To you or the house or both? In any event if you can prove negligence and that the negligence caused the damage you can sue successfully.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 10:22 PM
General Civil Trial Practice Attorney serving Beaverton, OR
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Vincent J. Bernabei, LLC
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You have a valid claim if you suffered injury as a result of the contractor's negligence.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Civil Litigation Attorney serving Milwaukie, OR
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Law Office of Andrew E. Teitelman
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You should definitely consult with an attorney to discuss the specifics of your potential claim. There may be liability on the part of the contractor, but the potential negligence is very fact specific and should be fully vetted with an attorney to determine the merits of your claim.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
If negligence by the contractor is what caused the fire, you can certainly make a claim for any and all damages, including property and/or injury.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Plaintiff Animal Bites Attorney serving Missoula, MT
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Bulman Law Associates PLLC
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Get the property fixed ASAP using your insurance while you make a claim against the contractor's general liability insurance. You should have requested this proof of insurance before he started.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Litigation Attorney serving Olean, NY
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Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP
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That is an option but, assuming you have insurance, I would talk to your insurance company to see what they have planned. Good luck.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Anderson, SC
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The David F. Stoddard Law Firm
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You say you "were in" a house fire, but you do not say what that means. If your house was damaged because of the fire, and you have homeowner's insurance, it might be best to let your insurance pay to fix it. They can, in turn, sue the electrician if they think it is worth it. If you were injured in the fire, I would consider retaining an attorney. Whether such a suit is worth an attorney's involvement will depend on how severe your injuries are. For example, if you went to the emergency room for smoke inhalation, and will need no further treatment, it is probably not worth pursuing. If you have no health insurance, you may wish to contact the electrician or his company and seek reimbursement for your medical bills.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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Do you have insurance? If so, file a claim with your insurance company, get the house fixed and let them get their money back from the contractor's insurance company. Otherwise you will have to go after the contractor, and yes you will need a lawyer to do it right.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Yes you can sue after being involved in a house fire. Ask the contractor for a copy of his liability insurance declaration page. You should never have contractors perform work on your house without first showing you he/she has insurance to cover their negligent conduct that damages your house. This is one of those acts that can result in liability.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Omaha, NE
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Chandler Conway, P.C., L.L.O.
Your friend is right. After an incident like that it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 1:56 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY
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Law Office of Jared Altman
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If you got hurt or lost property then you have a claim.
Answered on Nov 15th, 2011 at 1:08 AM
Personal Injury -- Plaintiff Attorney serving Cleveland, OH
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Mishkind Law Firm, Co., L.P.A.
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If you can prove that the contractors negligence caused the fire you can bring a claim against the electrician. Usually they will carry insurance that should cover your property damage claim.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2011 at 11:52 PM
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Yes, if the contractor was negligent that might be a very lucrative suit.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2011 at 11:34 PM
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If you believe a contractor's negligence caused a house fire, it makes sense to hire an attorney to investigate filing a lawsuit to recoup your damages. It may be a good idea to find out if your insurance will cover it first, as sometimes the insurance company will pursue the claim on your behalf after paying the claim. There are strict time imitations for pursuing these types of matters, so you should consult with someone as soon as possible.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2011 at 11:18 PM
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Sure. There has to be damages though.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Personal Injury — Plaintiff Attorney serving Taylor, MI
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Downriver Injury & Auto Law
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Any compensation is directly related to the injury that you unfortunately sustained in the house fire. We would be glad to represent you if you have sustained a serious injury as a result of a contractor's negligence.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2011 at 10:21 PM