Our building collapse injury lawyers at Denena Points, PC have discussed before how structural collapses during a fire present the greatest risks of fatal injury for firefighters on the job. Collapses can occur inside the building while the firefighter is conducting interior firefighting operations. Fatal collapses can also happen while firefighters are outside and walls or pieces of the façade fall on them.
Data from the U.S. FA reveals that the numbers of firefighters suffering fatal injury from residential building collapses have tripled since the 1980s. This increase has occurred even while the overall number of firefighter deaths on the job have decreased. Our building collapse injury lawyers point out that part of the reason might be the prevalence of modern “light” construction methods, which give very little margin for escape once a fire has started.
In addition, the weight of water used in fighting a fire adds to the load stress on a structure. And operations to ventilate the structure of smoke and/or heat may result in the cutting of critical structural support members.
Thorough risk assessment before sending firefighters into an interior or on advance hose operations, as well as setting up adequate collapse zones could help prevent serious or fatal injuries to firefighters during a blaze. But it isn’t always possible to predict when or where a building or wall collapse might occur. And when they happen, multiple firefighters might suffer injury of death.
Becoming trapped and asphyxiated, becoming disoriented inside a building, running out of air, and being struck by a falling object are just some of the serious hazards firefighters face in fighting a blaze. Click the link to read about the collapse of a burning wall during a fire in Detroit that injured two firefighters.
Contact the Experienced Building Collapse Injury Lawyers at Denena Points, PC if a Structural Collapse harmed you or Your Loved One
Our 16 years of experience in the field could help guide you in making informed choices for your family after a structural collapse has hurt you or a family member. We provide a free and confidential initial legal consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your options for a fair financial recovery for the needless harm you’ve suffered. You have no obligation to hire an attorney. And our veteran building collapse injury lawyers don’t charge attorney’s fees unless we win your case for you, so there’s no financial risk. Call us at 281-369-4363 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.