In North Carolina, you can sue your apartment complex for a fire if negligence on the part of the owner or their employees caused or contributed to the blaze. Property owners have a legal duty to protect tenants from dangerous situations, including fires. When they don’t, they may be liable.
This doesn’t mean your landlord or the owner of the apartment must have played a role in starting the fire. They may be accountable for your damages simply for allowing a known danger to exist, such as an inadequate or non-functional fire suppression system or even a lack of functioning smoke detectors.
If you have recently experienced an apartment fire, talk to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Our premises liability lawyers in Raleigh have helped our firm recover billions in awards and settlements for our clients. Contact us now for your free consultation.
What Happens After an Apartment Fire in North Carolina?
An apartment fire can turn your world upside down. Even if your specific apartment isn’t affected, if the building has suffered major damage, you may need to vacate the premises. You and your family may suffer emotionally and financially.
Of course, it can be much worse if you or a loved one were injured in the fire. Apartment owners have a legal duty to keep their buildings safe for the people who live there. Their failure can have catastrophic consequences.
A major disaster, such as the Morrisville apartment fire, can impact multiple families. If the apartment complex owner was at fault or if they made the fire worse, our team can help you seek financial compensation.
Can I Sue My Landlord for an Apartment Fire?
In North Carolina, you may be able to sue your landlord after an apartment fire if the landlord’s negligence caused or contributed to the fire. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain rental properties in a reasonably safe and habitable condition.
If a landlord knew, or should have known, about dangerous conditions such as faulty wiring, broken smoke detectors, code violations, or other fire hazards and failed to fix them, they could be held legally responsible for your damages.
Proving negligence heavily depends on evidence and an investigation of the fire. Our personal injury lawyers can help you understand what to expect and whether or not you have a legal case.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Apartment Fire?
The compensation you can recover after an apartment fire depends on the extent of your losses. These types of accidents are different from most personal injury cases. You may be physically injured, but you may also have lost everything you own.
Compensation for Injuries After an Apartment Fire
If you have been hurt because of the fire, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages related to your injuries. Our North Carolina lawyers will assess your hardships and seek maximum compensation.
This often includes costs for:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
Property Damages After an Apartment Fire
Recoverable damages after a fire in North Carolina often include the fair market value of personal property destroyed, such as:
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Household items.
You may also be able to claim reimbursement for temporary housing, hotel stays, increased food costs, storage fees, and moving expenses if you must relocate.
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How Does Insurance Impact My Ability to Sue?
Insurance plays a major role in apartment fire claims. A landlord’s property insurance usually covers the building itself, but not your personal belongings. Your renter’s insurance typically covers personal property loss, temporary housing, and certain related expenses.
Even if insurance covers part of your damages, you may still sue for uncovered losses, such as amounts exceeding policy limits or certain non-economic damages. However, insurance payments can affect how much you ultimately recover in a lawsuit.
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What if a Loved One Passed Away Because of the Fire?
If a loved one died in an apartment fire and a landlord’s negligence caused the death, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit. In North Carolina, this type of lawsuit is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
Damages can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the injury
- Lost income the deceased would have earned
- Compensation for the loss of companionship, services, and support
Wrongful death cases in North Carolina can be complicated and time-sensitive. Per G.S. § 1-53, you must bring a lawsuit within two years of the death of your loved one. Our Team can provide peace of mind through a difficult time by offering support and shouldering the legal burden.
Get Help From Our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers
You can sue your apartment complex after a fire if the owner or manager is responsible under North Carolina law. This means their actions, or inactions, must have contributed to the conditions that led to the fire, and you must have suffered real damages.
If issues the owner should have known about and repaired, such as a faulty sprinkler system, led to your damages, you may be able to sue.
At CR Legal Team, previously Crumley Roberts, We Stand Up For You®. Our Team has over 600 years of combined legal experience serving the citizens of North Carolina. Call today for your free consultation to discuss your case.
