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Week-Long Gas Leak Suspected Cause of Deadly Explosion

Was week-long gas leak the cause of a fatal apartment explosion?

When people make the decision to live in a rental property, they do so with the understanding that their landlord will be responsible for many critical aspects of maintenance. As we have observed in multiple situations on this blog, failing to regularly maintain a rental property can have devastating consequences.

A report from the New York Daily News may have local renters concerned about how quickly their landlords or superintendents respond to maintenance calls. Recently, an apartment complex in Alabama exploded. As two apartment buildings toppled in the blast, several adults and children suffered injuries. First responders found that one woman died as a result of the explosion.

In total, it took about two hours for firefighters to extinguish the fires created by the explosion. Now, investigators will try to determine what caused this horrifying residential accident.

Although no official report from the investigation has been issued, residents of the apartment complex say that they smelled a natural gas odor in or near the building for about a week prior to the accident. Apparently, they had complained about the smell. If it turns out that a gas leak caused the explosion and the landlord failed to respond to residents’ concerns, then there could be very important questions about liability that deserve answers.

Those injured in this apartment blast could be dealing with severe burn injuries for many months or years to come. As a result, medical expenses could become overwhelming. Knowing this, it may be beneficial for the victims of the explosion to determine their legal options for compensation. Doing so could provide relief in a time of need.

Source: The New York Daily News, “1 dead, several hurt in explosion at Alabama apartment complex,” Joe Kemp, Dec. 17, 2013

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Pregnant NY Woman Fatally Injured Falling Down Stairs

Woman slips and falls down stairs in Brooklyn

With many people in New York City living in apartments and condominiums, they are frequently exposed to common areas. A common area is a place in one’s building that is open to the public or, at the very minimum, the residents of the building. Because it is used by many people and because it is not the responsibility of anyone but the owner to properly maintain it, if someone is injured in a common area it has the possibility of leading to a premises liability lawsuit.

Although the details of a Brooklyn woman’s death remain somewhat unclear, it is possible that her fall down the stairs in her home could lead to a similar lawsuit. If, however, the stairs were entirely within her control, then her husband and children would likely be prohibited from bringing a premises liability lawsuit.

The Irish Independent reports that the 37-year-old mother fell down the stairs of her home, but doesn’t go into much more detail than that. If the newspaper is talking about the front steps at or an interior stairwell within an apartment building, the business owner may be liable for her fatal injuries. If, however, the paper is talking about stairs that were completely within her home (be that a townhouse or a condominium), her family would be unable to collect under a premises liability lawsuit.

While the differences above may be confusing or the reasoning convoluted, a Accident Attorney would be a helpful tool in determining whether someone could file a premises liability lawsuit following a slip-and-fall accident.

Source: Irish Independent, “Irish mother of two dies in freak accident in New York,” Ralph Riegel, Nov. 22, 2013

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NY Fatal Elevator Accident: Law Enforcement Investigates Safety Issues

Law enforcement investigates fatal Manhattan elevator accident

Property owners and managers have a responsibility to keep their buildings up to date on safety codes by maintenance and repairs as needed. Failure to uphold this duty can create unsafe property conditions.

Investigators are looking into an elevator-related accident that killed one man and injured another in New York City. According to reports, a man fell to his death down an elevator shaft. Details at the time of initial reports were sparing, but a report from the Department of Buildings says that the elevator shaft was unguarded. A second man was rushed from the building to receive treatment for injuries.

Authorities plan to conduct a full investigation into this incident. There is no indication where the man fell from or how he fell. In the end, the results of the investigation could provide insight into whether negligent maintenance played a role in this incident.

Clear details of the accident will not only be beneficial for the relatives of the man who died, but also for the man who suffered trauma at the 12-story building.

Regularly maintaining a property can help uncover serious safety issues, which can allow property owners the opportunity to make repairs and prevent serious injuries. In cases where safety issues are neglected and lead to injuries, then it may be possible to hold property owners accountable with a premises liability claim.

Every accident is unique and this particular case is no different. As details of this incident emerge, it will become much clearer as to how it can be rectified.

Source: New York Daily News, “Man dies after falling down elevator shaft in Manhattan office building,” Thomas Tracy, Dec. 4, 2013

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Preventing Black Friday Fight Injury: What Can Retailers Do?

Could retailers have done more to prevent Black Friday fights?

For many families, going shopping during the Thanksgiving holiday has become just as a much of a tradition as carving a turkey. Thousands of shoppers flock to retail stores to find great deals. Every year, however, it’s almost expected that some bargain hunters will be hurt in the chaos that ensues when sales begin. Knowing this, should stores be providing more security to help protect patrons?

Unfortunately, this year’s Black Friday was no different: Throughout the country people were hurt as they were simply trying to save some money on holiday gifts.

For example, three people were involved in a fight at a Wal-Mart store after other customers were attempting to budge in line. Additionally, a police officer was also injured in this altercation.

Interestingly enough, these types of incidents seem to happen year after year. Stores know that hundreds, maybe thousands, of customers could be trying to bust through the doors as soon as they open. As such, they should be prepared to have enough security on hand to help maintain order by preventing customers from cutting in line or harming other customers.

If stores fail to have enough personnel on hand to control crowds of shoppers, there could be questions about negligent security. Because Black Friday is an annual event everyone can expect, stores have a duty to be prepared and help protect their customers.

The hope is that someday people will be able to read news reports the day after Black Friday without seeing that people were caught up in brawls while they were trying to shop. Until that time comes, customers should know that they might be protected by New York’s premises liability laws.

Source: NBC News, “Violence flares as shoppers slug it out for the best Black Friday deals,” Henry Austin, Nov. 29, 2013

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Safety Issues: Concern over Multiple Injuries from Sport Stadium Falls

Streak of fall injuries at sports stadiums raises concerns

Attending a professional or college sports game can be an incredible experience. Between the action on the field of play and the excitement of thousands in the stands, there is a lot fun to be had. However, a pattern of fall accidents at sports stadiums throughout the country this year might have people wondering just how serious fan safety is taken at the facilities.

This year, at least five fans have been injured or died as the result of injuries sustained of while falling at a football stadium. For example, a New York football fan injured himself and another spectator when he slid down a railing at the Buffalo Bills’ Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Furthermore, when looking at fall incidents at Major League Baseball parks since 1969, a total of 23 people have died. In fact, three of those deaths occurred at New York’s Shea Stadium.

One observer notes that there seems to be a connection between the growing size of stadiums with the frequency and severity of fall accidents. As the arenas grow in size, so do the heights from which spectators can fall. Falling down a large stairwell, for instance, could certainly cause a catastrophic injury.

Keeping in mind the size of today’s sports stadiums, those who manage and maintain the property should keep safety efforts in mind. For example, after two fans fell from the outfield bleachers of the Rangers Ballpark in Texas, adjustments were made to guardrails.

If a fall accident on the premises of a stadium is caused by inadequate or improperly maintained safety features, then the property owners and managers could be held accountable. Sports fans attend games with the expectation of being entertained, rather than winding up in the hospital with a serious injury.

Source: Atlanta Daily World, “Stadium Deaths: What’s Behind the Fatal Falls?” Tom Watkins and Lateef Mungin, Nov. 26, 2013

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Hazardous Construction Fence Injures Multiple New York Pedestrians

Pedestrians injured by unstable construction fence in New York

Many people view ongoing construction as a sign of progress. Even though the rise of construction projects is often linked to a growing economy, builders must take steps to ensure that construction sites are secured. In a bustling and congested city, like New York, safety is especially important, since people are almost always likely to be nearby.

Not long ago, four people were injured at a construction site by falling debris. Reports indicate that three pedestrians were injured when a plywood construction fence fell on top of them. As a result, they became trapped under the temporary barricade. A firefighter responding to the scene also suffered minor injuries.

At the time of the accident, there were very strong winds. While the weather certainly contributed to the incident, a subsequent investigation determined that the construction company didn’t install the fence properly. They were in violation of pre-approved plans. Public officials used this as an opportunity to warn other property owners and construction managers to secure their property during the heavy winds.

Thankfully, all of the victims of the accident are expected to make a full recovery. In a larger-scale collapse, the falling objects could have caused more extensive injuries. Still, the injuries from this case could prevent the victims from working or make other aspects of everyday life challenging.

The construction company responsible for this site had a duty to make sure the premises were secure. By failing to follow the approved construction plan for the fence, they put people at risk, and unfortunately an accident did happen.

Source: CBS New York, “Construction Shed Collapse Sends Debris Flying In Midtown,” Nov. 1, 2013

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