Three People Injured In Waukegan Apartment Fire
Unsafe Premises - February 12, 2023
Three People Hospitalized After Waukegan Apartment Fire At 520 North Genesee Street
WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS (February 12, 2023) – At least three people were injured in a Waukegan apartment fire that took place at 520 North Genesee Street.
Lake County officials are saying that the fire started in a four-story apartment building with about 50 units. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to put the fire out and help victims.
People poured out of the apartment into the frigid outdoor weather. Three people were taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
It remains unknown at this time what may have caused the fire.
Liability For Waukegan Apartment Fires
Residential fires remain a major source of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Over the five-year period of 2015–2019 as a whole, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.” There are a number of other causes of residential fires.
- Electrical outlet malfunctions
- Heating
- Lithium-ion battery explosions
- Candles
- Appliances and equipment
A property owner could face liability if one of their tenants is injured in an apartment fire. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/1), property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. In particular, there are a number of fire codes that apartment owners must abide by. For example, apartment buildings should have working fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Victims of residential fires tend to suffer very serious injuries including.
- Lung damage from smoke inhalation
- Burn injuries
- Organ damage
- Hypoxic injuries
It is common that people are overwhelmed in the aftermath of a residential fire. They often suffer life-changing injuries. They may also need to relocate and deal with the loss of all of their earthly possessions. It is important that accident victims know that they do have rights. Any person that is injured in a residential fire may have the ability to recover damages through a civil claim.
Investigating An Illinois Apartment Fire
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this fire. Any person that may have more information about what happened should speak with investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Waukegan apartment fire? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
