18 Children Injured In Queens Fire Caused By Lithium-Ion Battery At Home Day Care
QUEENS, NEW YORK (February 2, 2023) – At least 18 children were injured in a fire at a home day care in Queens that is believed to have been sparked by lithium-ion batteries.
New York City police officials are saying that the incident began around 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday. A fire started at the first floor of a Queens home which was being used as a daycare.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. One child was rescued from the basement. A total of 18 children were taken to the hospital and one child was in critical condition.
A full investigation into the Queens daycare fire remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Queens Apartment Fires
Lithium-ion batteries are in nearly every modern electronic device. But there have been many safety concerns with some of these batteries. Problems with some lithium-ion batteries have led to them overheating, catching fire and exploding. In 2021 alone, e-bike batteries have caused over 55 fires in New York City. There are a number of reasons that lithium-ion batteries may catch fire.
- Manufacturing Defects
- Design Flaws
- Improper Usage
- Charger Issues
- Low-Quality Components
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that manufactured a product with a defective lithium-ion battery could be liable for an accident. Companies that design consumer products have a responsibility to make those products reasonably safe. When a company fails to make their products reasonably safe they could be held accountable through a product liability claim. In arguing for the existence of a design defect a plaintiff must show:
- The product was not reasonably safe due to a significant likelihood of harm;
- It was feasible for the product to have been designed in a safer way, and;
- The defect in question was the proximate cause of the injury a victim sustained. (Voss v. Black & Decker Mfg. Co., 59 N.Y.2d 102)
Victims of residential fires tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries. The family of any child that is injured in a fire may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Queens Apartment Fire
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the victims of this daycare fire. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Queens apartment fire? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.
