House fires are a homeowners worst nightmare.  For example on January 28th, the Moberly Fire Department responded to a fire call for a residence located at 115 South Fifth Street in Moberly, Missouri. At approximately 1:15 a.m., the fire broke out in the home’s kitchen. Neighbors reported hearing explosions, which were believed to be caused by therapeutic oxygen tanks inside the home.

At the time of the fire, three people were in the home. Britney Tessman, 18 of Mexico, Missouri, Rebecca Jackson Skinner, 56 of Moberly, Missouri and an unnamed 26 year old man. The man escaped with minor injuries, but the two women perished in the fire.

The bodies were taken to the Boone County Medical Examiner for autopsies. Gerald Luntsford, Randolph County Coroner,  named the cause of death for the two women as smoke inhalation and their deaths were ruled as accidental. This tragedy is not uncommon in our country.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that each year there are on average:

House fires are a major cause of deaths. On average seven people per day die in U.S. home fires.

Common causes of home fires include:

Our firm successfully represented families who have lost loved ones in fires. A claim for the injury of a loved one is called a wrongful death claim.  To recover for a wrongful death claim you must prove liability, causation and damages.  Common causes leading to liability include failure to follow building or property maintenance codes,  faulty electric wiring, and defective products such as toasters, or electric blankets.  Liability may also occur when the fire causes harm that could have been avoided but for another cause. Common causes include smoke or carbon monoxide detectors not being installed, maintained or if they are defective. Violations of local or state laws can also result in liability.

To pursue a wrongful death claim their must be evidence that the wrongdoer’s acts caused the harm. In the typical house fire case this means there must be proof the bad acts caused the fire, they failed to provide a warning or prevented escape.

In a wrongful death claim damages can be of two types compensatory and punitive. Punitive damages are only allowed if it can be demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the acts of the wrongdoer were intentional, or reckless.  Compensatory damages include economic losses and other loss categories factors set forth in the law such as the loss of support, guidance, comfort, and instruction. Our lawyers will help you with the process of presenting your damages fully and completely to obtain the best possible outcome.

When a house fire occurs you may have grounds for a a claim for compensation. If the worst has happened and you have lost someone we can help with a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.  To get help now contact Gump & Faiella. I

We have recovered more than $250 million for our valued clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 800-264-3455 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with an house fire injury lawyer in Missouri.

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