Flint, MI (September 9, 2023) – A fire broke out on the eighth level of a high-rise apartment complex in Flint, Michigan, early on Friday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of inhabitants and resulting in a handful of injuries.
The blaze at Richert Manor, a 12-story complex located at 902 East Court Steet, triggered a response from the Flint Fire Department. Smoke was seen on the ninth story, and a homeowner contacted 911 while a fire crew was on its way.
Heavy smoke was detected in an eighth-floor corridor, where firefighters also discovered a pile of burnt debris. About 1.5 inches of water, which was rushing down elevator shafts and stairways, was discharged on the ninth floor by the sprinkler system. EMTs treated a number of residents for smoke inhalation, but the total number of injuries and the current conditions of those involved are unclear.
As of Friday, authorities were still unsure as to whether the fire had been an accident or a deliberate act.
Our thoughts and best wishes for a complete recovery are extended to the injured victims.
Apartment Fires in Michigan
Both the frequency of fires and the number of lives lost in them have increased dramatically in our state. The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society predicts an 11% rise in fires overall and a 15% increase in fire-related deaths this year compared to the averages of the previous five years. Since June’s end, 76 individuals have lost their lives in fires throughout the state of Michigan.
It was shown that just 5% of the deadly fires started in the kitchen, whereas 25% began in the general living area. When a fire breaks out in a home or flat, the local fire department will investigate any and all possible causes. The findings may also be used by authorities to help establish blame.
In addition, property owners often file a claim with their own insurance company to cover the costs associated with the loss. Insurance adjusters have a poor reputation for providing victims of catastrophic home fire losses with inadequate compensation despite an independent investigation being conducted by the insurance company to assess the extent of the fire damage and estimate the probable expenses for restoration or substitution.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a house fire in Michigan, you may be able to take legal action in the future. By taking measures and conducting regular inspections, fires may be avoided. In addition, if you are injured in a fire in a private or leased house, you may have grounds for a negligence lawsuit.
Whether victims of a house fire want to interact with insurance companies or pursue legal action for premises responsibility and blame, an experienced attorney can help. If a loved one was lost in the fire, the weeks and months that follow may be very difficult. For further guidance on how to go forward after a house fire, talk to a qualified personal injury attorney.
When it comes to personal injury and wrongful death claims, particularly those involving house fires, Christopher Trainor & Associates has the expertise to help you seek justice. Call our office at 248-886-8650 to schedule a no-cost first consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.