Six-Story Apartment Fire in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Left One Person Dead
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (December 6, 2024) – One person has tragically died in an Upper East Side apartment fire between York Avenue and East End Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the fire began around 7:15 p.m. on Monday. Fire officials are saying that the blaze likely started on the fifth and sixth floors.
A civilian tragically died in the blaze. Six firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital. The cause of the Upper East Side apartment fire remains unknown at this time.
Liability for Manhattan Apartment Fires
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in apartment fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “In 2023, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.39 million fires in the United States. These fires caused an estimated 3,670 civilian fire deaths and 13,350 reported civilian fire injuries. The property damage caused by these fires was estimated at $23 billion.” There are a number of common causes of apartment fires.
- Cooking accidents
- Electrical malfunctions
- Lithium-ion batteries exploding
Depending on the facts of any case, an apartment owner could face liability if someone is injured in an apartment fire. Property owners have a legal obligation to make sure that their property is reasonably safe. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice about a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. It is important that certain steps are taken after an apartment fire.
- The source of the fire should be determined.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced attorney should be contacted.
Apartment fires are often highly preventable. They often involve apartments with safety code violations. Even when a fire is not preventable, injuries can still be prevented if residents are able to be properly warned with smoke detectors. It is important that victims of residential fires understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in an apartment fire may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Manhattan Apartment Fires
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this apartment fire. It is our sincere hope that the injured firefighters will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the FDNY.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an apartment fire? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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 (516) 908-9792.
