Often, dangerous property conditions are easy to see, especially when a sidewalk has been damaged, tree branches are hanging precariously or a beam appears to be loose. However, there are some situations where the danger is not in a physical problem but rather in negligence on the part of the property owner in New York City to provide a safe escape in the instance of fire or some type of natural disaster. In such cases, victims may be able to hold a property owner responsible through a premises liability lawsuit.
A premises liability lawsuit filed against a hotel claims that the hotel is responsible for the death of a 21-year-old man. The man died after suffering severe burns during a fire at the hotel and his grandmother, who filed the lawsuit, is asking for compensation to pay for medical care the man received before his death.
The lawsuit claims that the hotel failed to provide adequate training to its staff, did not have fire escape routes in place, and did not have a master key that would open the hotel room doors. The victim was residing at the hotel while under the employment of a company when the fire broke out. It is not clear how the victim ended up getting burned but his injuries were so severe that he was flown to a burn center for care. The lawsuit is also asking for compensation to cover the income loss caused by the fire.
In cases such as these, a company may be held accountable for its lack of preparation and disregard of federal, state and local laws. An experienced attorney can assist victims and their families with determining an appropriate amount to ask for as compensation for damages and loss.
Source: WBOY, “Woman Files Lawsuit In Connection to Motel Fire Death,” Kim Freda, May 29, 2013