Can I Sue My Landlord For An Electrical Fire?
An electrical fire is a traumatic experience that may cause you to sustain an injury, illness, or temporary loss of living quarters. For that reason, you may need to know who’s responsible so that you can solicit compensation. Here’s some information that can help you determine if you can sue your landlord for an electrical fire.
Leading Causes of Electrical Fires
Over 1.2 million fires occurred in 2019 alone, according to FEMA. Many of those fires were electrical. Electrical fires have a plenitude of causes, and these are some of the most common:
Faulty Wiring
Bad or glitchy wiring can cause spontaneous sparks that cause fires to ignite. Thus, landlords must have the wiring in their properties checked frequently.
Pest Mischief
Rats and other pests may chew on wiring or get caught up in electrical systems. A fire can combust in those circumstances.
Defective Appliances
Defective appliances such as ovens, toasters, and microwaves can wreak havoc on a kitchen. A fire could combust while you’re cooking or performing daily tasks.
Faulty Light Switches
Light switches can malfunction and catch nearby items on fire. The damage from such an incident can harm you immensely.
Damaged Plugs or Outlets
Damaged electrical plugs can put you at risk for shock and injuries. They can also cause fires, along with old or worn out power outlets.
Your Landlord’s Responsibility
All landlords are responsible for maintaining the safety of any property they own. Safety procedures include having the wiring, outlets, and appliances checked for potential issues and harm to the residents. Landlords must also make the necessary repairs if they report a faulty mechanism.
Thus, you may have recourse if you experience a fire and receive injuries and personal property losses because of the landlord’s neglect. You may have renter’s insurance, but it might not be enough to protect you or cover you for all your losses. A negligence suit is more fitting if you need to acquire money for medical bills, living expenses, etc.
Can You Sue Your Apartment or House Landlord for an Electrical Fire?
You can litigate against a landlord for an electrical fire if you believe the fire occurred because of negligence on the landlord’s part. Even if you’re unsure, you’d be wise to schedule a consultation with a seasoned attorney.
A lawyer can review your case and evaluate it for viability. Nine times out of 10, you won’t have anything to lose by speaking to an attorney. Many negligence and personal injury cases have contingency agreements, meaning you may not have to pay until the attorney wins your case.
You’ve been enlightened about electrical fires and whether your landlord is responsible. You should have a reasonable idea of whether you can sue your landlord for an electrical fire if one occurs because of neglect. Take the steps necessary to recover from your injuries and losses, and if you need to sue your landlord, do so. Don’t forget to contact a respectable law office for a consultation if you’re unclear about the outcome.
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