Five Residents Injured in Manhattan Apartment Fire Sparked by Lithium-Ion Battery

Despite numerous warnings from fire officials, New Yorkers continue to charge their e-bikes and e-scooters inside apartment buildings. Countless fires across New York have been linked to defective lithium-ion batteries, but people are struggling to understand this connection. Despite this lack of awareness, the consumer is not always to blame. Manufacturers must be held accountable for distributing dangerous batteries that endanger entire apartment buildings. A recent fire in Manhattan highlights this threat beyond doubt.

Lithium Ion Battery Recovered from Apartment After Serious Manhattan Fire 

In April of 2024, ABC News reported that firefighters had recovered a lithium-ion battery from the wreckage of an apartment building after a major fire in Manhattan. Five residents were injured in the inferno, which shows all the hallmarks of a typical lithium-ion battery fire. Despite these clear signs, the New York Fire Department did not reveal the official cause of the blaze. Despite the serious nature of this incident, firefighters managed to control it in about one hour during early morning hours.

Around the same time, another fire broke out in Brooklyn – injuring seven firefighters and one resident. 170 firefighters responded to the blaze, which set off numerous alarms in the area. After the fire was contained, the Department of Buildings reported that at least four structures – including homes – had been “extensively damaged.” The cause of this fire is also under investigation, but a lithium-ion battery could be to blame. Numerous displaced residents are now homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Who Can I Sue for an Apartment Fire in Manhattan? 

You could potentially sue a number of negligent parties for your fire-related injuries in Manhattan. First, you could sue the company that manufactured a defective lithium-ion battery. Despite all the marketing lingo and disclaimers, lithium-ion batteries are never supposed to spontaneously burst into flames. If these items cause fires while charging, the manufacturer should be liable for all injuries and damage.

You might also sue a landlord or a property owner for contributing to the fire. For example, your landlord may have failed to install proper fire safety alarms, detectors, and equipment. Some people lose their lives or suffer serious injuries because of defective, non-compliant doors that fail to open properly during fires. Discuss your legal options in more detail alongside an injury lawyer.

 Key Takeaways 

• Fire officials in New York are concerned about the fire risks of lithium-ion batteries
• Numerous fires in New York have been linked to charging e-bikes and e-scooters
• Injured residents can sue numerous parties after lithium-ion battery fires

Contact Cohan Law, PLLC Today 

If you have suffered injuries in a fire that was clearly preventable, you might have the opportunity to sue. Cohan Law, PLLC can help you explore your legal options after a burn injury in Manhattan. These options might include premise liability lawsuits, product liability lawsuits, and more. Reach out today to discuss your next steps in more detail.

Sources: 

abc7ny.com/fdny-battled-an-early-morning-fire-in-tompkins-square-park-the-east-village-on-wednesday/14725778/

fox5ny.com/news/fdny-battling-four-alarm-fire-in-bensonhurst-brooklyn