A mobile home fire on New Year’s Day in Burton, MI injured three people, one of whom remains hospitalized in in critical condition in the burn unit at Hurley Medical Center. The woman, 42, suffered first, second and third-degree burns over 20 percent of her body. A 33-year-old male, also hospitalized at Hurley with burn injuries, is said to be in good condition. A 52-year-old female, who suffered smoke inhalation, was treated at the hospital and released on Monday.
Officials have not yet determined how the fire began. The homeowner said her son and his girlfriend had been doing laundry late the night before the fire began.
Laundry machines can be the source of house fires. In 2010, about 16,800 house fires involving washing machines or dryers were reported in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires caused by washing machines and dryers injured 380 people and killed 51.
Gas and electric dryers, which pose an equal risk, were the source of 92 percent of the fires; washing machines accounted for 4 percent and washer and dryer combined were responsible for 4 percent.
The leading cause of fires in washers and dryers is failure to clean them (32 percent), followed by mechanical failure (22 percent), and electrical malfunction (8 percent), according to the NFPA.
Fire Lawsuit
Even if officials determine that a dryer fire was caused by failure to maintain or properly clean, an independent investigation can lead to a different conclusion. A defect in the product, a problem with the professional installation or service, a gas leak or other problem can all result in dangerous dryer and house fires.
Pritzker Hageman P.A. attorney Eric Hageman has won millions for his clients who have been injured in fires and explosions. The attorneys at Pritzker Hageman prepare every case for trial by gathering evidence, conducting independent investigations, and hiring experts to build the strongest case possible. This winning method of case preparation has lead to many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, including a $10 million settlement for a man who suffered burns on over half of his body.
If you would like to contact Eric Hageman or another attorney at Pritzker Hageman law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation you call toll-free at 1 (888) 377-8900 or fill out a free consultation request form.
Sources:
The National Fire Protection Association
http://burtonview.mihomepaper.com/news/2017-01-05/News/3_rushed_to_hospital_after_New_Years_Day_fire.html
http://www.abc12.com/content/news/New-Years-Day-fire-at-Burton-mobile-home-park-409134815.html