Fire and Smoke Alarm Failure

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Property owners and landlords are required to ensure that there are working and functional smoke and fire alarms on their properties. Fire and smoke alarms are critical safety features in any building, whether residential or commercial, and these devices save lives in the event of a fire. If a landlord or property owner fails to provide functional devices, and the failure of these devices results in personal injury or death, the landlord or property owner may be held responsible.

If you, or a love one, suffered a serious personal injury or death as a result of a smoke or fire alarm failure, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as a Best Law Firm of America, today and receive a FREE consultation on your case. Our team of highly experienced Buffalo, New York fire and smoke alarm failure personal injury attorneys will work diligently and tenaciously in an effort to provide you with the highest level of personal injury representation. Call us today at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking team can begin the fight for the compensation that you deserve. Don’t wait! Call now.

New York State Building Codes require smoke and fire alarms to be part of the construction process prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The requirements vary depending on the purpose of the building. For example, requirements for residential structures, such as houses or apartments, differ from the requirements for commercial properties.

The following types of properties must have functional fire and smoke detection systems:

1. Apartment buildings, specifically in common use areas like hallways, stairwells or entryways;
2. Entertainment spaces like shopping malls, arenas, theatres, concert halls and cinemas;
3. Long-term and short-term residential properties like nursing homes, hotels, boarding houses, dormitories, fraternity or sorority houses, and more;
4. Commercial spaces like department stores, grocery stores, and other store fronts;
5. Office buildings; and
6. Restaurants.

Landlords and property owners must ensure that these fire and smoke detection systems are inspected regularly to ensure that they are in full working order. It is the duty of a property owner to:

1. Ensure the appropriate fire and smoke detection systems are in place according to the purpose and official use of the building or property;
2. Update the fire and smoke detection systems regularly in accordance with updates to building codes and legal changes;
3. Inspect the fire and smoke detection systems regularly to ensure that they have working batteries and that there is no malfunctioning of or damage to the systems;
4. Repair any damage or malfunction in a reasonable and timely manner; and
5. Respond quickly and reasonably to any reports of damage to fire and smoke detection systems by tenants, patrons or others on the property.

Apartment renters should discuss the plan for maintenance of alarm systems within the rented space with the landlord or with the property superintendent.

If a landlord or property owner failed to install or maintain the proper smoke and fire alarm systems, and this failure led to personal injury or death for you, or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of fire and smoke alarm failure personal injury attorneys in Buffalo, New York today. Jed Dietrich, Esq. is recognized as a New York Super Lawyer and every day he leads his team in their mission to provide the highest level of personal injury service to the people of Western New York and beyond. Call us today at 716-839-3939 to put our team to work for you. We will battle tenaciously in our attempt to secure the compensation and peace of mind that you deserve.

If a smoke or fire alarm system fails, the consequences can be devastating. If not properly alerted to the presence of smoke or a fire, people on the premises may not have adequate time to escape and avoid serious personal injury. Some possible physical consequences of this include:

1. Smoke inhalation, which can lead to:
   1. Cardiovascular complications;
   2. Respiratory complications;
   3. Carbon monoxide poisoning;
   4. Long-term health complications;
   5. Brain damage; and
   6. Death.
2. Burns, which can lead to:
   1. Serious limb and tissue damage;
   2. Scarring or permanent disfigurement;
   3. Long-term medical needs, such as physical therapy, rehab or reconstructive surgeries; and
   4. Death.

The most significant consequence of a smoke or fire alarm failure is death, which can occur if someone is not given proper notice and is unable to make a timely escape from a burning or smoke-filled building.

If you, or someone you love, suffered serious injury or death as a result of a smoke or fire alarm failure, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

1. Short-term medical costs, like emergency services, hospital stays and treatment;
2. Long term medical costs, like rehabilitation, physical therapy, and treatment for long-term residual conditions;
3. Pain and suffering;
4. Lost wages due to missed work; or
5. Wrongful death.

Injuries related to smoke and fire emergencies can have a serious impact on your life. It is imperative that those at fault be held accountable. If your injury was a direct result of a landlord or property owner’s failure to install and maintain proper smoke and fire alarm systems, they should be held responsible for your injuries and any losses that you suffered.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as a Best Law Firm of America, has a track record of success in personal injury accidents. Our Buffalo, New York personal injury law firm will handle your case with care and compassion, as we understand the impact an accident can have on your life. If you believe you may be entitled to compensation, you must act now. Personal injury and wrongful death cases are time sensitive and require timely filing of a claim or else you might lose the right to do so. Call us today at 716-839-3939 for the help that you need. Don’t wait!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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