House Explosion in Troutdale Kills One

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Sep 08, 2021 in Personal Injury

On September 13th, 2021, law enforcement responded to a home on fire at around 2:20 a.m. in Troutdale, Oregon. A neighbor said that he was woken from his sleep by a large explosion that shook his and a few other homes. He then saw flames above the trees and took a few pictures. The Gresham Fire Department is still investigating the explosion, but investigators believe that the fire started from a car sitting in the driveway of one of the houses. The flames spread onto the house and several other cars, causing severe damage and killing one individual. 

While the sheriff’s office has yet to release the identity of the person killed or the cause of the explosion, they state that there is no threat to public safety or future explosions. Unfortunately, vehicle fires are not uncommon in the United States. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that between 2014 and 2016, there was an average of 171,500 highway vehicle fires annually, resulting in an estimated 345 fatalities each year. Vehicle fires are dangerous, and if you’re severely harmed by one, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. 

What Are the Top Causes of Car Fires in Portland?

In the past, vehicle fires were more common due to the designs of cars and lack of knowledge on safety precautions. Today, most car crashes don’t result in fires. However, a car can still catch fire and cause severe damage due to negligence and damaged parts. Some causes of vehicle fires include:

  • Fuel System Leaks
  • Spilled Fluids
  • Design Flaws
  • Electrical System Failures
  • Poor Maintenance
  • Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Batteries.
  • Overheating Catalytic Converters
  • Overheating Engines

Most fires result from mechanical or electrical issues, but they can also hint at negligent actions or poor maintenance. Talking with a lawyer and investigating the fire’s cause is crucial to recovering compensation for property damage due to another person’s negligence.

The Four Degrees of Burn Injuries

Vehicle fires can have severe, life-threatening burn injuries that hinder you from completing daily tasks and participating in your hobbies. When you sustain injuries from a fire, there are four degrees that the burn can fall under: 

  • First-degree burns: The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. A first-degree burn only affects this area and turns the area red, dry, and can be slightly painful, but should leave no blisters. An example of this is a mild sunburn. 
  • Second-degree burns: A second-degree burn penetrates lower and affects the epidermis and the dermis. These injuries can leave blisters and can appear red and swollen. 
  • Third-degree burns: Harming not only the epidermis and dermis, a third-degree burn can also hurt the innermost layer of skin called the subcutaneous tissue. Injuries of this degree can look white or blackened and charred.
  • Fourth-degree burns: The most severe type of burn is the fourth-degree burn. These injuries can go through both layers of the skin, deeper tissue and can sometimes affect muscles and bones. The area will have no feeling due to destroyed nerve endings and can lead to extreme life-threatening situations.

Understanding how a vehicle caught fire and the severity of your injuries can help a personal injury attorney gather information and evidence on the multiple losses you sustained. If your injuries and property damage result from someone else’s negligence, you are eligible to recover compensation for the losses you incur. 

Call Rizk Law Lawyers for Dependable Portland Legal Representation 

A vehicle fire can happen in a split second, but the harm it can cause may affect you and your family for the rest of your life. The damages you sustain may need medical treatment and pain medication that can be expensive. Our Rizk Law lawyers understand the stress that comes with paying for medical fees and other financial losses. However, we can provide honest and dependable legal services, so you have the tools necessary to recover the compensation you deserve. 

Call (503) 245-5677 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.