1 Dead after Fire in Historical District
One person is dead after fire ripped through an apartment building near the Historical Strand District in Galveston. According to a spokesperson with the Galveston Fire Department, fire broke out at the Justine Apartments in the 500 block of 21st Street around 5 a.m. on Friday. Many of the residents escaped on their own using a front stairwell. However, one person in the building did not make it out safely. A male occupant was found in his apartment and transported to an area hospital, however he was pronounced dead on arrival according to Galveston Fire Chief, Mike Wisko. Four other people were rescued from the building during the blaze. The fire is currently under investigation by the Galveston Fire Marshal; however, so far there is no word as to the cause of the fire. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the structure was built as the Illies Building in 1929. The building was converted into apartments sometime during the 1960’s. According to Chief Wisko, the fire code that was applied during that time was applied and remains in place. Fires can cause serious destruction and can cause loss of property as well as jobs and livelihoods. Fires can cause personal injuries such as burns or even cause death. Recovery after a fire, whether at a home or a business can be both devastating and time consuming. Fires can happen for any number of reasons such as:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Defective appliances or equipment
- Chemical reactions from solvents and cleaners
- A natural gas leak
- Flammable objects such as clothing or other combustibles too close to heat sources.
- Negligence with flames, lighters or cigarettes
- Arson
When dealing with the aftermath of a fire, you may need to find another place for you and your family to live, or you might be off the job for a period of time. If you have been injured, it can take even longer. In the case of severe burns that are a result of a structure fire, those injuries can take weeks, months or even years to completely heal. Rehabilitation and physical therapy as well as constructive surgery may also be needed before there is a complete recovery from your injuries. The expenses surrounding such care can add up and become overwhelming very quickly. Insurance companies and their attorneys will want you settle your claim quickly and in ways that are most advantageous to their clients. You need to have a Dallas attorney who is experienced in injury law in the Texas courts behind you. You will need a legal professional to look after your best interests, and is someone who has successfully represented clients getting them the compensation they deserve. If you have suffered in a fire, and before you sign anything or accept any kind of settlement, give our offices a call. We will match you with one of our experienced lawyers. They will take the time to listen to the details of your specific case and will outline ways for you to get the most in terms of financial compensation for any injuries, damages, pain and suffering or even wrongful death due to a fire. You deserve to be justly compensated for your losses. Your initial consultation with our attorneys is confidential, free and without obligation. We are here for you.