There have been numerous fires in Bronx New York City Housing Authority properties over the past few years. In January 2022, an inferno spread from the third floor throughout a NYCHA building at Twin Parks North West, tragically taking the lives of 17 people. Another Bronx NYCHA fire, linked to an e-battery, occurred at the Soundview housing complex in December of 2023, killing one. In addition, this past February, Bronx NYCHA residents saw a fire at a 16-story building between Park Avenue and 169th Street, which injured four civilians and two firefighters. Critically, many of the fires at NYCHA buildings could have been prevented if proper fire safety protocols were in place.
If you suffered burn injuries or lost a loved one in a Bronx NYCHA fire, it’s important to understand your legal rights — you may be entitled to pursue compensation and hold NYCHA accountable for its negligence.
Causes of Fires in NYCHA Properties
Many Bronx NYCHA apartment fires are caused by a lack of fire safety protocol or failure to repair fire safety systems. For instance, if self-closing doors fail to close properly, smoke and fire can quickly spread throughout a building. Additionally, when working sprinklers are not in place, flames move rapidly from floor to floor. Regular safety inspections and immediate maintenance responses to issues like defective wiring, broken heaters, or gas leaks can significantly reduce the risk of fires in NYCHA buildings.
Causes of fires spreading throughout NYCHA properties can include the following:
- Use of space heaters
- E-bike batteries
- Improper use of appliances
- Cooking fires
- Faulty wiring
- Building code violations
- Arson
- Smoking
- Broken fire alarms
- Blocked fire exits
- Unattended candles
The NYCHA has a legal duty to ensure its properties are properly maintained for residents and their guests. If the NYCHA knew or should have known about an issue that could cause a fire, it can be held accountable for any injuries that arise. Specifically, you can prove liability if a fire is caused by the NYCHA’s failure to adhere to building codes, take proper safety precautions, keep clearly marked fire exits, maintain well-lit pathways, or have an adequate fire safety plan in place.
What Types of Injuries Can Result from NYCHA Fires?
The physical and emotional toll of a Bronx NYCHA apartment fire injury can be severe. An apartment building fire can not only put you at risk for burn injuries but also smoke inhalation injuries, brain damage due to carbon monoxide inhalation, and fatality. A resident or guest who is trapped inside the building might also experience broken bones or crush injuries while attempting to escape from a window, balcony, or fire escape.
Common NYCHA fire injuries can include the following:
- First, second, third, and fourth-degree burns
- Lung damage from smoke inhalation
- Respiratory issues
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries and blindness
- Emotional trauma
- Fatality
NYCHA fire injuries can often be devastating, resulting in permanent scars, long-term complications, and disability. You may require extensive medical treatment and lose a significant amount of time from work. If you were hurt in a NYCHA fire accident, you may be entitled to recover your economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit. By filing a legal action, you may be able to receive compensation for your unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings, out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
Contact an Experienced Bronx NYCHA Attorney
If you suffered burn injuries due to a Bronx NYCHA fire, having an experienced NYCHA accident attorney by your side is essential. A personal injury attorney who focuses on cases involving the New York City Housing Authority will understand the nuances and procedures associated with these type of claims and work to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf. Serving clients throughout New York City, including the Bronx, the Dearie Law Firm, P.C. is committed to upholding the rights of NYCHA residents who have been injured due to the authority’s negligence. Contact us today for a consultation.