When an apartment fire occurs due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the aftermath can be devastating. Residents may face loss of property, physical injuries, emotional distress, and even the tragedy of losing loved ones.
The financial implications can be staggering, as rental property victims grapple with medical bills, repair costs, temporary housing expenses, and the loss of invaluable items. More haunting is the psychological trauma of such an event, which can linger long after the flames are extinguished.
In these devastating circumstances, it is good to know that the Chicago apartment fire lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help you seek justice and compensation.
In this Article
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets safety standards and codes for fire prevention and protection. Additionally, for apartments with seven or more units, there are apartment fire safety measures and fire safety equipment that Chicago landlords must provide to their tenants per the City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) including:
Various parties may be liable for injuries suffered in Chicago apartment fires:
The building owner may be accountable if negligence—like not providing fire alarms or ignoring safety code violations—played a role.
The person who ignited the fire may be held responsible, whether the fire occurred through arson or accidental negligence. For instance, a tenant leaving an unattended cigarette may face liability if it causes a fire.
Responsible parties may include contractors or maintenance companies when their actions or omissions contribute to the incident.
Product manufacturers may be held liable if their faulty products cause a fire.
Various products have been cited as significant fire hazards in apartment buildings:
To show that a landlord is responsible for an apartment complex fire, the following points need to be proven:
Landlords are typically not liable for fires caused by tenants’ negligence or unforeseeable events like natural disasters. For instance, if a tenant carelessly leaves a burning candle unattended or a lightning strike causes a fire, the landlord generally cannot be held responsible.
Following a fire incident, under the RLTO, landlords have a responsibility to ensure tenant safety and provide necessary services. Required actions include securing the premises, arranging temporary housing if the property is uninhabitable, and taking swift actions to repair damages. They must also communicate effectively with the fire department, tenants and authorities during investigations and insurance claims processes.
Under Chicago’s RLTO, tenants in apartment complexes with seven or more units have the following rights if they, their family, or their guests were not responsible for the fire: