Fire At Fort Lauderdale Airport Forces Evacuation
Travelers passing through the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport avoided injury after a terminal was evacuated due to a small fire that was reported in a terminal cleaning closet. Several hundred passengers were affected; those who had already passed through security were made to wait on the tarmac, and those who were not yet through the security checkpoint had to stay outside the terminal. The fire was quickly put out and travelers were permitted to continue on their way.
Fire Injuries Prevented
Though certainly an inconvenience, the evacuation and prompt handling of this airport fire emergency prevented injuries to any of those involved – which is a positive ending to what could have had much different results. Each year, fires cause thousands of deaths and exponentially more injuries, and losses are in the billions of dollars. The most common injuries that come to mind when we think of fires are burns, and certainly these injuries can be quite serious, ranging from first-degree burns that heal relatively quickly to third-degree burns that require much more extensive recovery and recuperation. Another injury that often results from fires is smoke inhalation; the Burn Institute notes that smoke inhalation injuries are some of the most devastating fire injuries and that half of all deaths that result from fire are a result of smoke inhalation injuries.
Signs Of Smoke Inhalation Injuries
Unlike burns, which are easy to see and recognize, smoke inhalation may not be easily noticeable to non-victims, as many of the symptoms are internal. Some of the more common types of smoke inhalation injury symptoms may include:
- Burns around the mouth or on the face, singed nasal hairs;
- Swelling or blisters in the mouth;
- Changes in breathing patterns, shortness of breath, chest pains or tightness;
- Hoarseness or raspy voice, scratchy throat, coughing, phlegm; and
- Impaired sense of smell.
These types of injuries can have long-term consequences and can damage the eyes and respiratory system. They can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma, lung disease, or heart conditions. For these reasons, it is imperative that victims of smoke inhalation receive prompt and effective medical treatment to ensure a prompt and thorough recovery.
Let Our Attorneys Help You Today
If you have been injured in a fire and have suffered burns or smoke inhalation due to the negligence of another, you are entitled to recover for the losses you have suffered. The personal injury attorneys at Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale have the experience you can count on to ensure the best possible results in your personal injury case. Our legal professionals will work hard on your behalf and help you to understand what rights you are entitled to and what responsibilities you have with respect to your case. You do not need to face your legal battles on your own – let our knowledge and experience work for you. Contact us right away by calling 954.556.5260 or visiting us online and schedule your free consultation today.
