Posted in Personal Injury
An apartment fire leaves more than physical injuries behind. Tenants lose their homes, their belongings, and often their sense of security. When a fire spreads through a residential building in Essex County, the people affected are left asking who was responsible and what comes next.
What Happened on Washington Street
A fire broke out around 6:15 a.m. at an apartment building on Washington Street in East Orange, according to Eyewitness News. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and flames on the first floor. At least 36 people were taken to area hospitals, including two firefighters with minor injuries.
Residents described a difficult escape. Stairwells were pitch-black, and people held wet cloths over their mouths, trying to keep the smoke out. One family struggled to get an elderly relative in a wheelchair out of the building, first through a window and then down smoke-filled stairs. Crews performed several window rescues with help from mutual aid companies, and the fire was under control by about 7:50 a.m.
Injuries That Follow a Building Fire
Smoke inhalation is often the most serious harm in a residential fire, and its effects aren’t always obvious at the scene. Injuries commonly seen after apartment fires include:
- Smoke inhalation and chemical damage to the lungs
- Burns of varying severity
- Falls and fractures during evacuation
- Aggravation of asthma, COPD, or heart conditions
- Lasting anxiety and difficulty sleeping
Tenants with mobility limitations face additional risk. When exits are blocked, alarms fail, or evacuation help is delayed, injuries tend to be worse.
Who May Be Held Accountable
Fire cases turn on how the fire started and whether the building was reasonably safe. Landlords and property managers have obligations that include working smoke alarms, clear exits, functioning fire doors, and safe electrical and heating systems. If those obligations were ignored, an injured tenant may have a claim.
Investigators often need time to determine a cause, and that’s normal. But evidence disappears quickly once repairs begin. Photographs, medical records, inspection histories, and prior tenant complaints matter. An Essex County, NJ personal injury lawyer can begin gathering that information while the details are still fresh.
Renters insurance and displacement assistance can help in the short term. They rarely account for the full picture, including medical treatment, lost income, and property that can’t be replaced.
Talking With an Attorney After a Fire
At Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida, we have been representing injured people in New Jersey since 1992. We evaluate claims, deal with insurers, and explain honestly what a case is worth and what it will take. When a matter needs to be litigated, we refer it to trial attorneys we trust and stay involved so our clients always know where things stand.
If you or a family member was hurt in the East Orange fire, or in any apartment fire in Essex County, speaking with an injury lawyer early can protect your options. Contact our office to discuss what happened and what steps make sense for you.
