Fires and explosions can result in serious injuries. Devastating burns, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma can greatly impact your life following the event, especially if someone else’s actions caused the accident in the first place.
Under Illinois law, you have the right to collect compensation for your injuries after a negligence-based explosion or fire. The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Duncan Law Group are here to secure your recovery and build a compelling case in your favor.
Our firm has over 100 years of combined litigation experience in multiple personal injury and class action areas. We understand the strategies and resources necessary to prove your claim. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, which proves our dedication to securing your settlement.
At Duncan Law Group, we operate on a contingency fee basis for maximum accessibility. You do not need to pay legal fees unless our fire and explosion attorneys secure compensation in your claim.
Types of Fire and Explosion Cases We Handle in Chicago
Our Chicago fire injury attorneys represent victims across a wide range of fire and explosion incidents. No matter how your injury occurred, we will evaluate your case and identify every avenue of recovery available to you under Illinois law.
Apartment and Residential Fires
Fires in apartments and homes have been linked to landlords’ failure to maintain safe conditions. This may include hazards such as faulty wiring, nonfunctional smoke detectors, or blocked emergency exits. Under the Illinois Smoke Detector Act, landlords are required to install and maintain working detectors in every dwelling unit. When they fail in these duties, injured tenants may have a premises liability claim.
Gas Line and Propane Explosions
Gas leaks and propane explosions can level entire structures and cause catastrophic burns in seconds. These incidents frequently result from improper installation, inadequate maintenance, or a utility company's failure to respond to reported hazards. Victims of gas or propane explosions may be entitled to significant compensation from the responsible party.
Electrical Fires
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and defective electrical components are among the leading causes of residential and commercial fires in Illinois. When a property owner, contractor, or manufacturer is responsible for the unsafe electrical condition, victims may pursue compensation through a negligence or product liability claim.
Industrial and Workplace Fires
Industrial facilities carry a heightened risk of fire and explosion due to the presence of flammable materials, pressurized equipment, and heavy machinery. Workers injured in these environments may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits as well as a third-party personal injury claim against a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner.
Construction Site Fires
Construction sites may involve open flames, flammable materials, and temporary electrical systems which can be a dangerous combination when proper safety protocols aren't followed. If a negligent contractor, subcontractor, or site owner failed to maintain a safe environment, injured workers and bystanders may have grounds for a civil claim in addition to any workers' compensation benefits.
Vehicle Fires
Fires caused by vehicle defects such as fuel system failures, electrical short circuits, or defective fuel tanks can result in serious burn injuries to drivers, passengers, and bystanders. If your vehicle caught fire because of a manufacturing or design defect, our Illinois fire injury attorneys can help you pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
Defective Product Fires
Household appliances, electronics, and consumer products that malfunction and ignite fires can give rise to product liability claims under Illinois law. Whether the defect was in the product's design, manufacturing, or labeling, you may be entitled to hold the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Fire Injuries in Illinois
Understanding the cause of a fire is critical to identifying who is liable and building a successful claim. Our Chicago fire injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations into the origin and cause of every fire we handle. Common causes of fire injuries in Illinois include:
- Faulty electrical wiring or overloaded circuits
- Gas line leaks and improper gas appliance installation
- Failure to install or maintain smoke detectors and sprinkler systems
- Negligent use of open flames, candles, or heating equipment
- Defective appliances, electronics, or consumer products
- Arson or intentional acts
- Unsafe storage of flammable chemicals or materials
- Blocked or improperly maintained fire exits
- Construction site hazards and safety violations
- Industrial accidents involving pressurized systems or combustible materials
Even if you are unsure what caused your fire, Duncan Law Group can investigate, gather evidence, and consult with expert witnesses to establish the cause and trace liability back to the responsible party.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Fire Injury in Chicago?
When deciding to pursue compensation for fire-related injuries, you will first need to determine who caused the accident in the first place. The question of liability depends on whether or not you suffered the accident while at work.
Property Owners and Landlords
Property owners and landlords in Illinois have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe and habitable condition. This includes ensuring smoke detectors are installed and functional, keeping fire exits clear and accessible, and promptly addressing known hazards. When a landlord's negligence such as failing to repair faulty wiring or ignoring a reported gas leak may cause a fire, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries or damages.
Manufacturers of Defective Products
If a fire was caused by a defective product such as faulty appliances, electrical devices, or vehicle components, the manufacturer may be held strictly liable under Illinois product liability law. You typically do not need to prove the manufacturer was careless; you only need to show the product was unreasonably dangerous and caused your injuries.
Employers and Contractors
When a fire injury occurs at a work site, employers and contractors have a responsibility to maintain safe working conditions under both Illinois law and federal OSHA regulations. If your injury was caused by a contractor's negligence, such as improperly handling flammable materials, bypassing safety protocols, or failing to train workers, then a third-party personal injury claim may be available in addition to workers' compensation.
Gas and Utility Companies
Gas and utility companies have a duty to safely operate, maintain, and inspect pipelines and utility infrastructure. Negligent maintenance, delayed responses to reported leaks, or improper installation can all result in catastrophic gas explosions. When a utility company's failure causes a fire or explosion, victims may pursue a negligence claim against that company for full compensation.
Government Entities
In some cases, a government agency, such as a municipality responsible for maintaining public infrastructure or inspecting buildings, may bear partial responsibility for a fire injury. Claims against government entities in Illinois are subject to special rules and shortened filing deadlines, which is why it is important to consult an Illinois fire injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Illinois Law and Your Rights as a Fire Injury Victim
Illinois law gives fire injury victims the right to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence caused or contributed to their injuries. Under the state's comparative fault rules, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For most fire injury claims in Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, as established under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing this deadline will almost always bar you from recovering any compensation at all. However, certain exceptions may apply for cases involving minors, government entities, or injuries that weren't immediately discoverable. An experienced Illinois fire injury attorney can clarify the deadlines that apply to your specific situation.
If your fire injury occurred at work, Illinois workers' compensation law may provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Importantly, filing a workers' compensation claim does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a separate personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or building owner whose actions contributed to the accident.
Compensation Available to Chicago Fire Injury Victims
Fires and explosions can result in severe, painful injuries, thousands of dollars in medical expenses, and lengthy recovery times. Illinois law allows you to collect economic and non-economic damages related to your accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to your tangible out of pocket losses, such as the following.
- Medical expenses for past and future treatment
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Disability accommodations
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
On the other hand, non-economic damages involve your physical and emotional pain and suffering. You can collect the following non-economic damages in a fire and explosion claim:
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Permanent disability
- Chronic pain
- Mental anguish
- Depression and anxiety
Identifying the damages you can collect is vital to ensuring that you receive the care that you need. Your Chicago fire and explosion attorney from Duncan Law Group will evaluate your claim, explore all possible avenues of recovery, and negotiate on your behalf for a sufficient settlement.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a fire or explosion claims a life, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased's financial support and benefits, loss of companionship and guidance, and the grief and mental anguish endured by surviving loved ones. The Chicago fire injury attorneys at Duncan Law Group handle wrongful death claims with the utmost compassion and urgency.
What to Do After a Fire Injury in Chicago
The steps you take in the hours and days following a fire injury can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If your health and safety allow, take the following actions:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries appear minor, get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some fire-related injuries including smoke inhalation and internal damage may not be immediately apparent. A medical record also establishes a direct link between the fire and your injuries.
- Document the scene. If it is safe to do so, photograph or video the scene of the fire, any visible injuries, and any property damage. Save any clothing or personal items damaged in the fire.
- Gather witness information. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses to the fire or explosion.
- Report the incident. Ensure the fire is reported to the appropriate authorities, including the fire department and, if applicable, your employer or landlord.
- Preserve evidence. Avoid disposing of any items including appliances, electrical components, or damaged materials that may have contributed to the fire. This could be critical evidence in your claim.
- Contact a Chicago fire injury attorney. Before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents, consult with an experienced fire injury lawyer. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and having legal representation early in the process protects your rights.
Contact a Chicago Fire Injury Lawyer at Duncan Law Group Today
Fires and explosions can cause lasting injuries that can impact you for the rest of your life and if someone else’s negligence was to blame, you deserve justice. The fire and explosion attorneys at Duncan Law Group can guide you through the litigation process.
Our lawyers have secured significant compensation for victims of fire-related injuries including a $2 million settlement for a burn injury victim.
The attorneys at Duncan Law Group have over 100 years of combined experience helping Chicago injury victims recover from their injuries. We will advocate aggressively for you each step of the way, handling all negotiations and investigations so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Chicago fire and explosion attorneys.
Chicago Fire Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a fire injury lawsuit in Illinois?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a fire injury lawsuit in Illinois, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you miss this deadline, your case can be dismissed and you may lose your right to recover compensation. There are limited exceptions, for instance, if the injured person is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18. Claims against government entities may carry an even shorter deadline, sometimes requiring notice within one year. Because these timelines are strict and the rules complex, it is important to consult with a Chicago fire injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What if I was injured in an apartment fire caused by my landlord?
If your landlord's negligence caused or contributed to the fire you may have a strong premises liability claim against them. Under Illinois landlord-tenant law, landlords have a legal duty to keep rental properties in a safe and habitable condition, including compliance with the Illinois Smoke Detector Act. If their breach of that duty led to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our Chicago fire injury attorneys can evaluate your situation and advise you on the strength of your claim.
Can I file a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?
Yes, in many cases you can pursue both. If you were injured in a fire or explosion at work, you are generally entitled to file a workers' compensation claim to receive benefits for medical treatment and lost wages regardless of fault. However, if a third party such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner contributed to the accident, you may also file a separate personal injury lawsuit against that party. Filing workers' compensation does not waive your right to pursue a third-party claim. An experienced Illinois fire injury attorney can help you pursue all available avenues of recovery to secure your total compensation.
What compensation can I recover after a fire injury in Illinois?
Illinois law allows fire injury victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your financial losses, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages address your physical and emotional suffering, including pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement or scarring, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and chronic disability. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. If a loved one died as a result of the fire, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages under Illinois law. The Duncan Law Group team can evaluate your claim and fight to recover every dollar you are entitled to.
