Hallandale Beach High Rise Fire

Residents of a Hallandale Beach high rise were lucky to escape injury on a recent night when their building caught fire. The fire, which was allegedly sparked by a resident who was smoking on her balcony, injured the resident herself as well as a police officer, who required a trip to the hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, however, there were no reports of additional injuries as a result of the incident.

Smoke Inhalation More Deadly Than Burn Injuries

Most often, when we think of injuries caused by fires, we think of burns. While burns are certainly quite serious, smoke inhalation is a common and quite dangerous injury suffered as a result of fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke inhalation is the cause of most fire-related deaths, not burns, as it can often incapacitate victims quickly and prevent them from behind able to make it out of the fire before it is too late.

Symptoms Of Smoke Inhalation

When a victim suffers from smoke inhalation, a range of symptoms may present themselves.  Coughing, shortness of breath, and hoarseness may be the most obvious to others besides the victim. Some of these symptoms are helpful in determining the extent of the injury such as the color of mucus produced by coughing or rapid or noisy breathing. Those suffering from smoke inhalation may also experience red and irritated eyes, a change in skin color, and soot in the nasal passages or throat. The victim may also experience symptoms such as headaches or changes in mental status that are not apparent to others. Even when the victim exhibits no signs of respiratory problems, they may have inhaled carbon monoxide, which can cause headache, nausea and vomiting, and periods of oxygen deprivation can cause changes in mental status and complications including confusion or seizures.

Smoke Sensitivity

Certain categories of people may be more sensitive to and more likely to suffer injury from smoke inhalation than others. Diabetics, young children, older people, and pregnant mothers are some of the categories of individuals who are likely to suffer more extensive injuries as a result of smoke inhalation; additionally, those who have a history of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, or those who have previously suffered cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes are especially susceptible to more extreme smoke inhalation injuries.

Let Us Help You with Your Case

If you have suffered smoke inhalation injuries, or any other type of injuries, as a result of being in a fire, you may be entitled to recover for your losses. Medical bills and other costs of recovery, recuperation and rehabilitation can add up quickly, and if you have lost time from work as a result of your injuries, the situation can quickly become overwhelming. Help is available, and you need to get the facts. Speaking with an experienced attorney is the best way to learn about your rights and responsibilities when you have been injured in an accident. The attorneys at the office of  Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help you do just that. Contact us today and let us help you get the results you deserve.

Resources:

wsvn.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-hallandale-beach-high-rise/

nfpa.org/news-and-research/news-and-media/press-room/reporters-guide-to-fire-and-nfpa/consequences-of-fire

emedicinehealth.com/smoke_inhalation/page3_em.htm#smoke_inhalation_symptoms