Queens Burn Accident Injury Lawyers

All too often, news stories tell us about the many people who keep suffering serious injuries or deaths in Queens home and apartment fires. Sadly, a 59-year-old disabled man died in his home in early December 2018 after a blaze broke out. The fire on East Hampton Boulevard in Bayside was first reported around 10 PM. Although dozens of firefighters raced to the scene, they were unable to save the man who was found in the basement of his home.

Reports indicate that the deceased had an amputated leg and may have also been a paraplegic. Although tragedies like this often occur due to similar problems, investigators are still trying to find out what caused this event. In many cases, faulty wiring or a gas leak can suddenly ignite a fire.

Before reviewing several of the most common places that fires often start in residential structures, this article will first address some of the different types of burn injuries that often inflict great pain and suffering.

Contact, chemical and electrical burns

1. Contact burns. As the name implies, these occur when a person’s body touches a hot object such as a stove, radiator, steam pipe, outdoor grill or countertop cooking device. In your home, always locate beds at least four (4) feet from any type of radiator, hot pipe or heater. Also, avoid using small portable heaters while you sleep. When actual fires break out, that’s went some of the worst contact burns are inflicted. However, severe contact burns also occur while people are cooking in their kitchens. (Many of the fire hazards present in kitchens are noted below);
2. Chemical burns. Everyone must be careful when using chemical cleaners in their homes. Always open nearby windows and doors to minimize the damage you may suffer from breathing in chemical fumes that can irritate your lungs or eyes. Never use any type of chemical cleaner near cigarettes, matches, lighters or open flames. And always wear some type of rubber gloves when using potent cleaning substances; Make sure all potent chemical cleaners are kept in their original containers, so people can easily recognize their dangers. Also, always store these types of substances in locked cabinets or closets;
3. Electrical burns. When at home, remember that electricity is always all around you and that the misuse of it can directly cause serious burns and fires. By observing the following warnings, you can avoid mishandling electrical plugs and appliances.
   1. If you need to use two or three electrical appliances at the same time, be sure to find
      and use a properly rated power strip;
   2. Always disconnect electrical appliances and other devices by pulling out the plug and
      not the cord. Periodically check the condition of all cords and toss out appliances with
      broken, cracked or otherwise faulty cords;
   3. Never use any electrical appliances near water;
   4. Minimize your use of extension cords and never run them under any rugs;

Remember that most residential fires start in kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms

Kitchen safety.

The kitchen is probably the most dangerous room in your home. Never allow children to spend time in their alone – and tell them that only adults can do any cooking. The following safety tips will remind you of ways to maximize your kitchen safety.

• Always try to only use the back burners of your stove and turn all pot handles inwards so that if anyone walks by, they won’t knock any pans off the stove;
• Since scalds (a type of burn) are extremely painful, ask your building repair person to set the water heater temperature no higher than 120°F;
• Should you ever notice a fire in your oven, turn the oven off, close the door and do not open the oven until it has had time to cool down;
• Never use an oven to warm your home;
• When cooking at a stove or an outdoor grill, always wear short sleeves and clothes that fit tightly. Also, keep long hair tied back;
• Should a grease fire breakout on your stove, try using a pot lid or some baking soda to smother the fire. It’s never wise to try and put out a grease fire with water – that only tends to spread the fire;
• Use a timer whenever cooking so you won’t forget there’s something in (or on) your stove. (Note: Many of these safety tips are set forth in an online pdf file entitled, “Burn Safety and
• Prevention for Older Adults,” prepared by New York Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medical Center).

Bedroom fire safety tips.

• Never leave any candles burning while you’re out of the room and do not light any candles near curtains. Always blow candles out before leaving the room or falling asleep;
• Avoid using any type of portable or space heater while you’re sleeping;
• Never smoke in bed. Too many adults fall asleep while smoking each year — and set their bedrooms and houses on fire;
• Make sure all draperies and curtains are located a safe distance from any heater or radiator.

Bathroom safety reminders.

• Avoid using any wall or space heaters in your bathroom. Too many people forget to turn these off when they go to bed or leave for the day;
• Do not light candles in your bathroom. However, if you feel you must, always blow them out whenever you leave the room – even if you think you’ll just be gone a few minutes;
• Do not overload the wall outlets with hair dryers, curling irons, electric toothbrushes and other similar devices. Just plug them in and use them one by one, before unplugging them.

Always get in the habit of checking your kitchen and bathroom areas before leaving home each day – so you won’t accidentally leave anything turned on. If you have one or more fireplaces, also check them before leaving each day – and turning in each night.

If you are loved one has been seriously injured in a Queens fire caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to contact your New York City burn injury attorney right away. We know how to fully investigate and prepare each case before fighting for the maximum compensation available on your behalf.