At Poltielov Law Firm, our New York explosion and fire accident lawyer provides personalized, justice-focused legal advocacy to victims and families. We fight tirelessly to help victims secure the absolute maximum compensation in personal injury claims and wrongful death claims. Were you or your loved one seriously harmed in an explosion or fire? You need a top-tier legal advocate in your corner. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. 

Our law office has extensive experience representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries in fire and explosion cases. We understand how these incidents affect victims and their families.

Whether you were hurt in a workplace injury, motor vehicle accident, or another type of incident, our team will fight hard to protect your rights. We leave no stone unturned when investigating your case.

Common Causes of Explosions and Fires in New York

Explosions and fires can be devastating. They could cause terrible damage—and severe harm to victims—in a single instant. They can also quickly spiral out of control. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 3,800 people were killed and tens of thousands more were injured in fires in 2021 alone. While explosions and fires can happen for a wide array of different reasons, most of these bad incidents are fundamentally preventable with the proper safety precautions. Some of the leading causes of these accidents in New York include: 

  • Traffic Incidents (Crashes, Defects): These can occur when vehicles collide or experience major mechanical failure. Traffic collisions can be extremely hazardous not only due to the immediate impact but also because of the risk of fire from leaking fuel or electrical sparks.
  • Lack of Proper Maintenance: Neglect in the upkeep of buildings, vehicles, and industrial equipment can lead to deterioration that poses fire risks. Over time, the degradation of electrical wiring, gas lines, and structural materials can create conditions ripe for ignition.
  • Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and the misuse of electrical appliances are common triggers for fires. These hazards often stem from outdated electrical systems unable to support modern demands.
  • Equipment/Machinery Defects: Industrial and residential areas alike can be affected by defective machinery or equipment that overheats, sparks, or leaks flammable substances. Unfortunately, these types of defects often go unnoticed until the malfunction happens. 

Fire accidents often occur due to negligent maintenance of buildings and equipment. When property owners fail to maintain smoke detectors or ignore hazardous conditions, they can be held liable for injuries that result.

Construction accidents are another common cause of fire and explosion incidents. A construction worker may be exposed to flammable materials without proper safety measures in place. These workplace accidents put workers at risk every day.

Serious Accidents Require a Comprehensive Investigation

In New York, all serious explosions and/or fires require a comprehensive, independent, and detail-focused investigation. You need to know exactly what went wrong and why such a bad accident occurred. Many explosion/fire claims are negligence cases. However, some victims may also have a claim through New York’s product liability laws.  

Notably, New York is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 1411). A person harmed in an explosion and/or fire could still have a viable personal injury claim even if they are partially at fault for the incident. Under the New York comparative negligence system, they would be liable for their “share” of the blame, and their compensation would be reduced proportionately. 

Defective smoke detectors have been linked to many serious fire cases. When these safety devices fail to work properly, the results can be tragic. Manufacturers and property owners must meet industry standards for fire safety equipment.

First responders arrive quickly to explosion and fire scenes, but the damage is often already done. The legal process begins with documenting what caused the incident and who bears responsibility.

Types of Injuries in Fire and Explosion Cases

Burn injuries are among the most painful and disfiguring types of harm that victims suffer. These injuries often require years of medical bills and treatment to heal properly.

Brain injuries can occur when victims are struck by debris or experience oxygen deprivation during a fire. These serious injuries can lead to permanent cognitive problems and require ongoing care.

Broken bones, severe injuries to internal organs, and injuries resulting from falls during evacuation are also common. Each case requires meticulous preparation to document all damages.

We Fight for Full and Fair Financial Compensation for Injured Victims

Following a bad explosion/fire, it is imperative that you receive financial compensation for the full extent of your damages. Unfortunately, corporate defendants and their large insurance companies put their own bottom line first. At Poltielov Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims and families fight for the absolute maximum compensation. You may be able to recover damages for: 

  • Property losses; 
  • Emergency medical care; 
  • Hospital bills; 
  • Ongoing/long-term medical care;
  • Physical therapy; 
  • Lost wages; 
  • Loss of earning power; 
  • Pain and suffering; 
  • Emotional distress; 
  • Long-term disability; 
  • Scarring/disfigurement; 
  • Loss of quality of life; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member. 

Our legal team works to identify all negligent parties responsible for your injuries. Whether the explosion was caused by faulty wiring, gas leaks, or other hazards, we hold wrongdoers accountable.

Property damage claims are often part of explosion and fire cases. Victims lose their homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Fair compensation must account for these losses along with physical harm.

When a family member dies in a fire or explosion, surviving relatives can file a wrongful death claim. These cases seek compensation for emotional pain, funeral costs, and lost financial support.

Why Trust Our New York City Explosion and Fire Accident Lawyer

Major explosions and bad fires can be truly catastrophic. These are complicated cases that can be very challenging for victims and families to unwind. Rafael Ariel Poltielov is the professional you can trust. Among other things, our New York personal injury attorney is ready to: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer questions about the claims process;
  • Investigate the explosion/fire—gathering evidence to prove liability; 
  • Connect you or your loved one with the right medical professionals; 
  • Handle all aspects of the claims process, including settlement talks; and
  • Develop a comprehensive strategy to help you get justice and full compensation.  

Our firm has combined legal experience helping clients across Staten Island, Queens, and throughout the region. We understand New York law and how it applies to personal injury cases.

In the past few years, we have seen more fire accidents on the bustling streets of New York City. Car accident cases involving fire require quick action to preserve evidence.

Our Approach to Explosion and Fire Cases

We offer a free consultation and free legal consultation to discuss your legal matter. During this meeting, we review your case and explain your legal options for seeking financial recovery.

An injured worker hurt in workplace accidents may have multiple paths to compensation. Workers’ compensation may cover some costs, but a personal injury lawsuit can provide additional damages against third parties.

Our experience fighting for accident victims means we know how to handle complex explosion and fire cases. We work with experts who can explain how the incident happened and why wrongful actions by others caused harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a fire or explosion accident?

Get to safety first and call 911 so first responders can arrive quickly. Seek medical attention even if you think your injuries are minor, as some symptoms may appear later. Take photos of the scene if possible and collect contact information from witnesses. Contact a fire accident lawyer as soon as you can to discuss your legal options. The sooner you begin investigating, the better your chances of preserving important evidence.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit for a fire or explosion in New York?

New York law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury cases. However, some cases have shorter deadlines, especially wrongful death claims or cases involving government entities. Don’t wait to contact our law office for a free case evaluation. Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the fire?

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some blame. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. A personal injury lawyer can help prove that the other party bears most of the responsibility.

What types of damages can I recover in an explosion accident case?

You can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional pain. If the explosion caused permanent disabilities or disfigurement, you may receive additional damages for long-term impacts. In serious fire cases with catastrophic injuries, settlements often include compensation for future medical bills and lost earning capacity. Medical malpractice cases involving burn injuries may also qualify for damages.

How much does it cost to hire an explosion and fire accident lawyer?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. You can schedule a free case evaluation and initial consultation to discuss your situation without any financial obligation. This allows injured victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.

Contact Our New York City Explosion and Fire Accident Attorney Today

At Poltielov Law Firm, our New York City personal injury lawyer has the skills and experience to take on even the most serious and complex of accidents, including explosions and catastrophic fires. Contact us or call now at 718-880-2911 for your free, no obligation, and completely confidential initial appointment. We handle fire and explosion accident claims in New York City and throughout the wider region. 

Whether you suffered burn injuries, brain injuries, or other severe injuries, our team is ready to help. We have extensive experience handling cases involving defective smoke detectors, negligent maintenance, and other causes of fire accidents.

Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Schedule your free legal consultation today to learn how we can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.