According to The Baltimore Sun, an apartment fire recently claimed a woman’s life due to smoke inhalation, becoming the eleventh of 13 fire-related deaths in the city this year.
The fire was contained to one apartment, but heavy smoke filled the building, requiring evacuations. Firefighters discovered the woman in an apartment on the second floor that had filled with smoke, but she died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Smoke inhalation has been determined to be the top cause of death in interior fires, rather than burn injuries or other types of trauma caused by the fire itself. During an indoor fire, smoke can quickly fill the building, spread to rooms and floors far away from the fire itself. By spreading through air ducts, under doors, and via all other connections within a building, smoke can quickly fill the area. In the event of a fire, it is vital that everyone within a burning building get out as quickly as possible, even if the fire is nowhere near them.
Smoke inhalation can cause a variety of potentially fatal injuries, including asphyxiation, tissue irritation in the lungs, nose, and mouth, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Inhaling the dangerous gases and toxic particulate matter given off by a fire is often the primary cause of fire-related deaths. It may even take from 24 to 48 hours before the victim shows signs of damage.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a burn accident, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. In cases where a burn injury is also involved, consulting with a Baltimore burn injury attorney can provide additional specialized guidance. You may be entitled to seek financial compensation for your losses from the responsible party. Contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” to discuss your legal rights during a free and confidential consultation. Steven has a strong reputation for protecting the rights of injured victims and the family members of those who have lost their lives as the result of another person’s negligence.