What to Do Following an Injury Caused By a Fire or Explosion
- Obtain names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
- Photograph the scene where the incident occurred and any visible injuries. Professional photographs are generally preferable, but not essential.
- Preserver or photograph suspicious appliances, such as smoke alarms, gas water heaters, furnaces, and the like. Be sure to photograph or record serial numbers.
- Consider having a lawyer file a motion in court to secure the scene so that evidence is not destroyed.
- Talk to no one about the incident or injuries other than your physician or lawyer.
- Consult a lawyer before answering questions from the product manufacturer or insurance company.
- Tell your physician or surgeon exactly how the injury occurred and describe all symptoms and complaints. Be sure to report memory problems, confusion or disorientation, however minor these things may seem at the time.
- Begin keeping a diary of how the injury or death affects your life and family. In particular, write down all medical related visits and everything that causes physical pain, frustration or worry.
- Obtain and keep receipts for all expenses relating to the incident.
- If the fire or the explosion was caused by a product and that product can be salvaged, save the product that caused the problem if possible.
Clark Perdue
The Columbus, Ohio law firm of Clark Perdue has extensive experience handling burn, explosion and fire claims throughout Ohio. If requested, we will meet you--in your home or at the hospital, if necessary--to explain your legal rights and make suggestions for immediate action on your claim.
