The kitchen is arguably the most dangerous area in every home, largely because it has way too many fire hazards that could lead to devastating consequences and burn injuries. Defective ovens, stove-tops or other kitchen appliances, faulty gas or electric power sources… Many things could go wrong in the kitchen, which is why it is paramount that you protect yourself, your family, and belongings in the home.
Regardless of whether you live in a house or apartment, do not underestimate the importance of following safety tips to avoid fire-related accidents. But if it is too late, and damage has already been done, you are probably wondering, “Well, who is responsible for my injuries and property damage?”
Unfortunately, the vast majority of people in California think, “Well, since the fire occurred in my home, I am the only one responsible for that accident!” But that is a ludicrous misconception that could cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Who can be held liable for fire-related accidents in the home?
Our Los Angeles fire-related accident attorney from the Compass Law Group, LLP, explains that there are multiple parties who could potentially be held liable for your burn injuries, and other injuries and damages caused by fire in your house or apartment.
In order to determine who is responsible for the fire-related accident in your home, it is vital to establish the cause of that fire. Was it a defective or broken appliance such as an oven, gas cooktop or stove-top? Was it faulty wires, hoses, or other connection points? Or was it your negligent neighbor?
Depending on the circumstances of your particular case, several parties could be held liable for your injuries and damages, including but not limited to manufacturers of equipment in your home, those responsible for inspection and maintenance of connection points in the house, those responsible for installation of appliances and connection points, neighbors, and many others.
Only an experienced fire-related accident attorney in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California can determine the liable parties in your particular case and help you recover compensation.
Safety tips in the kitchen to prevent fire-related accidents
There are many things you can do to protect yourself, your family members, and your belongings in the apartment or house by following these simple guidelines. Since fire-related accidents in the home are often caused by human error and defective equipment and appliances in the kitchen, follow these safety tips to prevent such accidents:
- Do not get distracted when cooking
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Make sure all stoves, ovens, and other appliances in the kitchen (and elsewhere in the home) are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house
- Do not let your small children play or mess around in the kitchen when you are cooking, especially around the oven and stove
- Do not leave your home if the stove or oven is turned on (do not make the common mistake of, “Oh, it will be done when I return”)
- Get used to using a timer when cooking
- Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking
- Do not cook foods you are not familiar with unless you read the recipe or instruction, especially when it involves flammable foods and ingredients
- Clean cooking surfaces and walls (especially those near the stove and oven) regularly to prevent grease buildup
- Do not put combustible items that could catch fire around the stove and oven (paper, paper or plastic bags, oven mitts, etc.)
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and learn how to use it
- Let a professional inspect all of the appliances and connection points in the kitchen on a regular basis
- Install a fire alarm system and smoke alarm in the kitchen
As you can see, there are so many things you can do to keep yourself and your family members safe by following very simple safety tips. If you or your family members have been injured in a fire-related accident in the home, do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles fire-related accident attorney to find out your legal options. You may not have to pay for your medical treatment and other expenses and damages out of pocket.
