Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    2

    Default Fire Code Injury

    I work for a company that rents office space from a building. The building has no windows. Recently the power went out for about 10 minutes. There were no lights, pitch black. None of the emergency exit signs were on. I couldnt see my hand in front of my face. This building is a secured facility, it is not easy to get out of. As I was fumbling through the dark, I clipped a fire extinguisher and it twisted my back in a not nice day. I went to the chiropractor the next day, and my left shoulder + lower back were a little messed up, but nothing that cant be 100% fixed with a month of treatment. Total cost $4,000. I sent a copy of my bill to the building owner asking him to pay it. He refused and told me to file a workers comp claim against my employer which I do not want to do since I don't feel my employer was responsible. On top of that, he is putting pressure on my employer to keep me quiet, since if he doesn't renew our contract, everyone in the company loses their job.

    Some history on the building: it was converted from a grocery store 5 years ago, and has never met fire codes since. I had no idea the building was this bad, and to be honest i am a bit nervous about going back to work since there are no windows, and no lights when the power goes out. All of the doors are computerized security doors, so if they don't open... everyone in the building dies. I have no idea what is up to code and what isn't.

    How should I proceed?

    My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: FL

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Fire Code Injury

    call the fire marshall and file a WC claim.

    If you don;t want to file a WC claim, then take your chances it court when you sue the owner.

    any idea what small claims limit is in Florida? IF you need to go above that level, it will cost you a lot more to sue.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Fire Code Injury

    Small claims is $5,000.

    I already filed a complaint with the fire Marshall, minutes after it happened. I gave them my name and number. The Fire Marshall visited the building 2 days later, however I was never contacted. The fire Marshall has been dealing with our building for years, I have no idea why it hasn't been shut down if the exit signs have never worked.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Fire Code Injury

    Your sole remedy is going to be WC.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Fire Code Injury

    Quote Quoting lwpat
    View Post
    Your sole remedy is going to be WC.
    I don't think so lwpat. Premises liability would come into play outside the area of employer control. I believe that especially if the injury was outside of the OP's suite, the premisies liability could be brought in to the frey.

    Within the OP's suite, I believe WC would be a probability but premises liability could still play a part, depending on what actions the employer has taken to remedy the unsafe condititions and what if any responsibility the employer has for maintainance of the emergency lighting.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Parking Violations: Vehicle Code Code Interpretation
    By Halfajap in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-19-2011, 06:12 AM
  2. Traffic Accidents: Car Accident Personal Injury and Subsequent Injury
    By Docmac in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-28-2009, 07:20 PM
  3. Parking and Access: Can Landlord Change Gate Code and Refuse to Give New Code to Tenants?
    By Bluemeanieeater in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-20-2008, 01:29 PM
  4. Code Of Alabama And Uniform Probate Code
    By wbtsbuff in forum Estate Planning, Administration and Probate
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-27-2008, 05:20 PM
  5. Isn’t California Civil Code 841.2 Adding Insult to Injury?
    By muttal_88 in forum Real Estate Ownership and Title
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-13-2007, 11:34 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources