New Jersey Premises Liability: 1 Injured in Retirement Home Fire

An elderly gentleman required hospitalization following a fire that left him with severe burns on his hands, head and face. The fire broke out at a New Jersey retirement home in the early evening of Nov. 26. The injured victim may be entitled to pursue premises liability and any other applicable legal claims in an effort to seek compensation for his losses.

According to a local news report, rescue crews were called to Shadow Lake Village in Middletown after a fire broke out on the second floor of the complex. When authorities arrived, they found an 82-year-old man outside with second and third degree burns on his hands, head and face. He was also suffering from smoke inhalation. This individual was flown to a burn center for care. His current condition is unknown.

At this time, investigators are still trying to determine what caused this fire. In total, three units in the building were destroyed. Thankfully, no one else was injured in the event.

The burn injuries suffered by the victim of this fire can have significant consequences. The treatment of such injuries can be painful, with no guarantees of full recovery, and the victim may experience a number of other medical issues — such as infection — which can cause a myriad of physical problems. Along with the physical consequences of these injuries, the financial and psychological damages can also be too much for one to bear alone. In New Jersey, when one is injured on someone else’s property, the owner may be held responsible for the damages sustained — this is known as premises liability. By taking legal actions after this incident, if successful, the victim may be awarded financial relief for his losses which could help him place his focus on getting the care he needs and not on economic concerns.

Source: app.com, “Fire engulfs Middletown retirement home units, injures 1“, Katie Park, Nov. 26, 2016