"When I was injured due to inadequate security at a retail center in Columbus, I felt completely lost. This firm quickly stepped in, investigated the facts, and held the property owner accountable for their negligence. They treated my case with dignity and professionalism, securing a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I highly recommend them for any crime-related injury on someone else's property."
Fire Injury or Death from Lack of Fire Extinguishers: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Fire Injury or Death from Lack of Fire Extinguishers: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Fire Injury or Death from Lack of Fire Extinguishers throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Fire Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Fire Extinguisher Malfunction Lawyers: Premises Liability Fire Claims
In the crucial first moments of a fire, a functioning fire extinguisher can be the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophe. Property owners and managers have a legal duty of care to ensure that required fire suppression equipment is correctly installed, readily accessible, and maintained in full functional working order. The failure to provide functional fire extinguishers in required areas is a clear breach of safety codes, often leading to rapidly spreading fires, severe burn injuries, and wrongful death when a small fire cannot be contained.
If you or a loved one were injured in a fire on someone else's property in Ohio because a required fire extinguisher was missing, expired, or non-functional, our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team is ready to help. We specialize in complex Premises Liability litigation, holding negligent parties accountable under the Ohio Fire Code and established state statutes.
Owner Liability for Fire Equipment Negligence Under Ohio Law
Ohio's fire safety regulations impose a clear, affirmative obligation on property owners (including landlords, as per Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04, and business owners) to maintain and provide safety equipment. We establish negligence based on the failure to adhere to the Ohio Fire Code:
Ohio Fire Code and Functional Fire Extinguishers (R.C. § 3737.82)
The Ohio Fire Code (adopted via R.C. § 3737.82) incorporates nationally recognized standards (like NFPA 10) requiring the installation, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. A violation occurs when the owner:
- Fails to Provide: Does not install the required class and number of extinguishers in areas mandated by occupancy type (e.g., kitchens, common areas, or near fuel-burning appliances).
- Fails to Maintain: Neglects to perform required monthly visual inspections or the annual maintenance and hydro-testing by certified professionals, leading to non-functional or expired fire extinguishers.
- Obstructs Access: Blocks or hides the fire extinguisher, rendering it inaccessible for immediate use in an emergency.
Establishing Negligence Per Se
The failure to provide functional fire extinguishers in violation of the Ohio Fire Code often qualifies as negligence per se. This legal doctrine is vital, as it means the property owner is legally presumed negligent simply by violating the safety statute, focusing the case on causation and damages.
Proving Causation: Absence of Extinguisher Caused Serious Injury
To win a Premises Liability claim for the failure to provide functional fire extinguishers, we must prove that the extinguisher's absence or malfunction was a substantial factor in causing the victim's injuries. Our firm builds a causal link through expert analysis:
- Fire Marshal Report Review: We analyze official reports to confirm the fire's early stage was one that could have potentially been suppressed by a portable extinguisher, and document the location of non-existent or faulty equipment.
- Maintenance Records Audit: We subpoena service tags and inspection logs. Evidence of expired fire extinguishers or a total lack of maintenance records proves the owner's prolonged neglect.
- Fire Expert Testimony: We work with fire scientists to demonstrate the critical seconds that were lost due to the failure to provide functional fire extinguishers, which allowed a small, manageable fire to escalate into a life-threatening blaze causing severe burn injuries or wrongful death.
Damages and Ohio's Statute of Limitations (R.C. 2305.10)
When a fire rages unchecked due to the failure to provide functional fire extinguishers, the resulting injuries are typically catastrophic. We aggressively pursue maximum financial recovery for all damages suffered by the victim or their family:
- Extensive Medical Bills, Burn Center Treatment, and Long-term Respiratory Care
- Compensation for Severe Burns, Smoke Inhalation Injuries, and Permanent Disfigurement
- Lost Wages, Future Loss of Earning Capacity, and Permanent Disability
- Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and Wrongful Death Damages
The statute of limitations for a Personal Injury lawsuit in Ohio (R.C. § 2305.10) is generally two years from the date of the fire. Due to the high risk of evidence loss and the need for immediate forensic analysis, contacting a lawyer without delay is essential to protect your rights.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one suffered severe injury because of a failure to provide functional fire extinguishers on a negligent property, do not wait. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule your Free Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
What Our Clients Say
After prolonged exposure to toxic mold at my workplace, I started experiencing severe health issues. Proving the connection to the business's negligence felt impossible until I hired this firm. They were brilliant, connecting my health problems to the landlord's failure to address water damage. They gave me my health and my life back by securing a significant settlement. For mold-related injury cases, they are unparalleled."
"My accident at a poorly maintained apartment complex pool in Dayton was terrifying. I suffered a serious head injury. This law firm was incredible; they immediately started investigating the pool's safety records and maintenance log. Their work resulted in a successful claim against the property management. If you've been injured at a pool in Ohio, you want this firm on your side."
"The defective stairs at a restaurant in Toledo caused a significant knee injury. The property owner initially refused to pay, but this firm took on the challenge. They brought in experts to show the code violations and built an undeniable case. Thanks to their legal expertise, I received a fair settlement that allows me to focus on my recovery. They truly excel with cases involving unsafe property conditions."
"My child was tragically bitten by a dog at a neighbor's property in Akron. Navigating the aftermath and dealing with the owners was incredibly stressful. The team at this law firm was compassionate yet fiercely effective. They understood Ohio's dog bite laws thoroughly and fought to ensure my child received the necessary medical care and compensation for their trauma. They are the best dog bite attorneys in the state."
"I had a terrible slip and fall accident on a wet floor at a grocery store in Cincinnati that led to a serious fracture. The store tried to deny responsibility, but this firm's meticulous preparation and dedication proved the store's negligence. They were communicative throughout the entire process, making a stressful situation much easier to handle. Choose them if you need a top-notch slip and fall lawyer."
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PH: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 • OFFICE LOCATION • 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, OH 43220