Washington State law strives to uphold property owners’ rights to use their land as they desire, while still holding individuals accountable for negligent actions that cause damage to others’ property. In this blog post, we examine the specifics of RCW 4.24.040 and the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive for fire injuries when liability is established.
Definition
RCW 4.24.040 states, “if any person shall for any lawful purpose kindle a fire upon his or her own land, he or she shall do it at such time and in such manner, and shall take such care of it to prevent it from spreading and doing damage to other persons’ property.”
Essentially, property owners are responsible for ensuring safe conditions when starting fires; if a fire escapes their control and damages others’ property, they are liable. It is important to follow this law to prevent any injuries or property damage from occurring.
Compensation
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a fire caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. This compensation can cover a wide range of damages directly resulting from the fire, ensuring that you are not left to bear the financial burden alone.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the complexities of such incidents requires the guidance of experienced legal professionals. GLP Attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including fire-related deaths and injuries. Our Fire Injuries practice is led by Janelle Carney Boston, who has been practicing in Washington State since 2008 and is the Managing Shareholder of our Spokane and Tri-Cities offices. Our lawyers are here to support you through your case and ensure that you are able to adequately heal.
If you have been involved in a fire-related accident, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation at 800.273.5005.