New Jersey Premises Liability: 1 Dead, Several Injured in Fire

A fire at an apartment building in New Jersey resulted in one person losing her life and left several other individuals injured. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Depending on the findings in this case, the family members of the deceased and the other residents may be able to pursue legal actions — such as premises liability, personal injury or wrongful death claims — in an effort to seek compensation for their losses.

According to a local report, this fire started at around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 19, in Florence Township This was considered a two alarm fire. In a video that accompanied the report, it was said that when fire fighters arrived on scene, the building had already sustained significant structural damage, including a caved in roof. A total of 6 people were taken to the hospital, three of whom were members of the emergency response team.

It took over two hours for the fire to be extinguished. During that time, fire fighters were only able to search a section of the building, as it was structurally unsound. The next morning, the body of a 72-year-old woman was pulled out of a top floor apartment.

This tragic incident is one that has damaged many lives. The surviving victims of this fire and the family members of the deceased may have legal recourse, though. Premises liability, personal injury and/or wrongful death claims may be filed in a New Jersey civil court. Negligence will have to be established against the property owner and/or individual thought responsible for this terrible event in order for legal claims to be successful.

Source: fox29.com, “72-year-old woman dies in Florence Twp. condo blaze“, Feb. 19, 2016