Ephrata, PA (July 26, 2024) – Authorities say emergency services responded to a fire in Lancaster County around 7:45 p.m. on Friday, July 26, and victims injuries were reported shortly thereafter.
Officials said that the fire occurred at the intersection of North Church Street and Poplar Aly in Ephrata. Lancaster dispatcher noted that the fire was under control after about an hour, but the road remains closed as crews are on the scene. The York Volunteer Fire Company said that at least two people sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate, and they were transferred to local medical facilities, although their current conditions remain unknown. Local law enforcement officials are handling the investigation surrounding the fire, and officers have asked witnesses to come forward.
Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their loved ones. We wish them a swift recovery.
Injury-Causing Fires in Pennsylvania
Residential and commercial fires may not be the most common kind of accident that occurs day-to-day, but they still happen with some frequency across the country, causing injuries and fatalities in their midst. Of course, when these deadly blazes do take place, they are devastating. Still, any person or entity whose negligence caused the house fire may have liability in the incident. A personal injury or wrongful death attorney will look into the events leading up to the house fire and help you establish who is responsible for your loss.
For instance, if a wrongful death action is successful, the court will compel the defendant to reimburse the plaintiff’s estate or survivors for “damages,” which are the plaintiff’s alleged losses. In Pennsylvania, a variety of losses may be covered by damages awards, such as:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Hospital expenses and related healthcare costs
- Estate administration costs, including lost income and benefits
- The loss of the deceased’s companionship
According to Pennsylvania law, damages are meant to compensate for the losses incurred by the surviving spouse, kids, and/or parents due to the death in question. The personal representative may still pursue damages to cover funeral, burial, hospital, and estate administration costs, even without a living spouse, child, or parent.
Like most other states, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations that establishes a deadline for personal injury and wrongful death litigation. A claim must be filed within two years of the deceased person’s passing. The court will probably decline to consider the lawsuit if it is not submitted within those two years.
For these reasons and more, it’s essential to contact a skilled Ephrata personal injury lawyer for assistance as soon as possible after a building fire has occurred. At the Slocum Firm, we know what it takes to fight for you and your family. We will advocate for your best interests and secure your just compensation through every step of the claims process. Contact our Ephrata car crash attorneys at (570) 209-7376 to schedule a free-of-charge consultation to speak in depth about how our team will defend your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses after a fire has utterly altered your well-being and everyday life.
