Man Suffers Burn injuries in Middle Township Motel Fire
A fire recently broke out at a motel in New Jersey, causing a man to suffer burn injuries. The incident happened on the morning of January 2 in Middle Township.
Middle Township Police responded to a structure fire at the Meadowbrook Motel, which is located in the Burleigh section. Officers arrived at the motel and saw smoke coming from Unit #16 on the east side of the building. Personnel from multiple fire departments arrived shortly after to suppress the fire.
The 33-year-old man sustained burn injuries from the fire. He was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia to be treated for his injuries. The extent of his injuries is unknown. It was not disclosed if anyone else was injured.
Multiple agencies responded to the fire and are assisting with the investigation, including the Middle Township Police Department, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May Court House Fire Department, Rio Grande Fire Department, and Green Creek Fire Department.
When Someone is Burned in a Motel Fire
When someone is burned or injured in a motel fire, multiple areas of law can apply, depending on how the fire started and whether safety failures were involved. These cases often center on premises liability, negligence, fire safety regulations, and personal injury law.
Motels owe guests a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment. If a fire causes burn injuries, the motel may be liable if it failed to:
- Maintain functional smoke detectors and fire alarms.
- Provide adequate fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems.
- Keep exits, stairwells, and hallways clear and accessible.
- Properly inspect and maintain electrical systems, heaters, or appliances.
A victim must generally show the motel knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it.
State and local building codes and fire codes play a major role. Motels must comply with:
- Fire-resistant construction standards.
- Emergency lighting and illuminated exit signage.
- Maximum occupancy limits.
- Regular fire inspections and code compliance.
Violations of these codes can be powerful evidence of negligence and, in some cases, may establish negligence per se, meaning the violation itself helps prove liability.
If the fire was caused or worsened by a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, or installer may be liable under product liability law for design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn. Other parties may share responsibility, including:
- Property owners or management companies.
- Maintenance contractors or electricians.
- Utility companies.
- Arsonists or other guests whose actions caused the fire.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Fires can cause serious burns. Third-degree burns can cause scarring, disfigurement, and other damages.
If some other party caused your burns, seek legal help from Morristown catastrophic injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. I have more than 40 years of personal injury trial and negotiation experience and will successfully fight for compensation for the victims of catastrophic injuries. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/man-injured-middle-township-motel-fire-police-say
