New Jersey Premises Liability: 2 Dead and Several Injured in Fire

In mid-August, a house fire in New Jersey claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured and homeless. This incident occurred at a rental property in Little Ferry. At least three families have been affected by this event. Currently, investigators are unsure as to why the fire started. However, if the property owner is believed negligent in any way, each of the affected families may be able to pursue premises liability claims in an effort to seek compensation for their losses.

According to reports, a police officer was on patrol when he heard an explosion and saw a house go up in flames. Individuals in the building are said to have been jumping out of windows in order to escape. Some children were dropped down to officers on the ground. Firefighters had to enter the structure to rescue some individuals who were trapped on the second and third floors.

Several people, both adults and children, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. A 5-year-old girl and her grandmother, sadly, died from their injuries the day after the incident occurred. The current conditions of the surviving victims are unknown.

According to those who live in the area, this property lacks an emergency escape route. This is something that some of the residents allegedly complained to the property manager about, but no action was taken to correct the issue. If this is the case, and if any other issues with the building are found, the property owner could be facing a great deal of legal trouble.

While it is still unclear as to why this fire broke out, those who were injured or lost loved ones in this incident may have legal recourse. In accordance with the laws of New Jersey, these individuals may pursue personal injury, wrongful death and premises liability claims against the property owner and anyone else deemed responsible for this tragedy. Those claims that are navigated successfully may be awarded monetary damages.

Source: CBS New York, “5-Year-Old And Grandmother Dead In Little Ferry, NJ House Fire“, Aug. 17, 2016