Maine Fire & Burn Injury Lawyers

Representing the Injured Due to Fire Safety Negligence

 Fires are terrifying events, and when they occur due to someone else's negligence, the ravages are compounded by a deep sense of injustice. Berman & Simmons understands the overwhelming fear, the physical agony, and the lasting emotional scars that fire and burn injuries and deaths can inflict. 

Our team is here to support you through such harrowing times and is committed to helping you find justice and accountability.

For over a century, we have represented those who have suffered serious harm due to others' carelessness. We bring that same fierce advocacy and compassionate understanding to victims of fire-related accidents. 

Property owners and other responsible parties must be held accountable for ensuring fire safety on their premises. Let us help you navigate the complex legal process to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life after fire damage and devastation. 

We offer free consultations with a Maine fire safety attorney to discuss your case. Call (207) 417-4199 or connect with us online. We are available 24/7 and offer virtual consultations. 

The Destructive Impact of Fire Accidents

A lack of proper fire safety can lead to catastrophic consequences, including:

• Severe burns. Ranging from first-degree burns, which cause redness and pain, to third and fourth-degree burns, which penetrate deep into tissues, causing permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and requiring extensive surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement.  Many times, burn injuries from fires or explosions result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. 
• Smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. Inhaling smoke and toxic fumes can cause immediate damage to the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory failure, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic conditions like asthma or emphysema. Even seemingly minor smoke exposure can have lasting effects.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Caused by falls, impacts from falling debris, or oxygen deprivation during the fire. TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and a significant reduction in quality of life.
• Other physical injuries. Such as fractures from jumping to escape, lacerations from broken glass, or internal injuries from explosions.
• Wrongful death. The ultimate tragedy, leaving families shattered and facing unimaginable grief, along with significant financial burdens.
• Emotional and psychological trauma. Survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances, requiring long-term psychological support.

We recognize that these injuries impact every aspect of your life, from your physical well-being to your ability to work and enjoy time with loved ones.

How a Claim Can Help You

A successful civil claim can provide critical financial relief and a sense of justice.

• Comprehensive injury compensation. Covering medical expenses (past and future), rehabilitation costs, medications, and assistive devices.
• Lost income recovery. Reimbursing you for wages lost due to your injuries and compensation for any diminished earning capacity if you can no longer work or must take a lower-paying job.
• Pain and suffering. Acknowledging the physical pain, emotional distress, psychological trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life you have endured.
• Wrongful death. For families who have lost a loved one, this can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for the profound grief and loss of companionship.
• Accountability. Holding the negligent parties responsible sends a powerful message, potentially preventing similar tragedies from befalling others.

Civil Claims Against Negligent Property Parties

When a fire or explosion occurs due to negligence, you may have grounds for a civil claim, typically under premises liability law. This type of claim asserts that a property owner, landlord, or other responsible party failed to maintain a safe environment, directly leading to your injuries or loss.

Common types of negligence that can lead to fire accidents include the following.

• Failure to install or maintain smoke detectors/alarms: Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial for early warning, especially in rental and commercial properties.
• Blocked or inadequate exits: Obstructed fire exits or insufficient escape routes can trap individuals, making escape impossible.