Explosion Leads to Massive Fire in Cobb County
Recently, an explosion created an enormous fire that destroyed nearly 20 apartments in Cobb County. The accident occurred at Crestmont Apartments in Marietta. Residents report hearing and feeling a large "boom" that sent many to the floor. Apartment management went to some apartments to investigate when moments later a fire erupted. The fire engulfed one building at the rear of the complex initially, but rapidly spread. Neighbors shouted for everyone to evacuate and, thankfully, all escaped alive. Two people were injured and transported to area hospitals, while 26 adults and 12 children were displaced by the fire. Atlanta Gas Light arrived at the scene of the fire to investigate its cause. As of now, it is not clear what spurred the explosion or subsequent fire.
Burn or Wrongful Death Actions Stemming from Apartment Fires
Each year, fires within homes and apartment buildings result in a number of fire related injuries and deaths. When a building catches fire, residents can sustain smoke inhalation injuries, thermal burns and other serious injuries. The most serious fires can result in death. Occupants can also be injured due to the inhalation of toxic chemicals released as the structure burns.
If you have been injured in a home or apartment fire that may have been caused by negligence, you should be able to seek compensation from the party or parties responsible for the fire. Your personal injury attorney will likely need to employ the assistance of an investigator with experience in determining fire causation. Engineers and others with experience in the field can identify the cause of the fire and its origin.
Some leading causes of apartment or home fires include, but are not limited to:
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Defective appliances
• Improper or damaged gas lines
• Malfunctioning boilers or furnaces
• Clogged fireplaces
In addition to identifying the cause of the fire, it is important to determine whether the actions of a third party contributed to the fire or obstructed the ability of occupants to escape the structure safely. Some factors to investigate include, among others:
• Having appropriate fire safety equipment
• Complying with fire and building codes
• Fire doors installed where required in the building
• Smoke alarms installed and in proper working order
• Properly constructed fire walls
• Fireplaces, boilers and furnaces were properly maintained
• Fire exits and escapes were accessible and functioning
If your injuries or the death of a loved one was caused in part by another person or party's inability to respond to the fire and escape, you should have a viable claim against the third part responsible. Your attorney will investigate all potential avenues of compensation.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you are injured in an accident that might have involved negligence, the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast.
The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/crews-battle-fire-cobb-county-apartment-complex/nnTpL/