The Dangers of Fire Extinguishers

Even minor fires can easily get out of control and cause major destruction. For that reason, it's very important to have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Fire extinguishers are a proven way of controlling everyday fires before they get out of hand. They save lives. But unfortunately they can also be dangerous.

Canister-style fire extinguishers—commonly seen in homes, schools, and businesses—are under high pressure. The high-pressure gas in the extinguisher is used to spray a wide stream of fire retardants, which allow you to safely control a fire at a distance.

However, like any canister under high pressure, fire extinguishers can explode. Fortunately, of course, such explosions are unlikely to cause a fire, but they are forceful and can throw dangerous metal shrapnel.

If the metal shell of the extinguisher is punctured or weakened, an explosion can occur. Anyone standing near the canister could easily be injured by the blast. Metal shards from an exploding canister can come loose and cause serious internal injury.

Another risk associated with fire extinguishers is the possibility of them being discharged. Vandals have been known to illegally discharge extinguishers, which poses a major safety risk if the extinguisher is not immediately reloaded or replaced.

Failure to have an extinguisher regularly maintained increases the risk of the extinguisher being used up, malfunctioning, or weakening and potentially exploding. If you or a loved one are injured because of a poorly maintained fire extinguisher, the people in charge of its maintenance may be liable.

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With the help of the experienced and compassionate Chicago lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, PC, you may be able to collect damages to help you recover from such a traumatic event. Take the first steps towards a better life today by contacting the Chicago personal injury law office of Friedman & Bonebrake, PC at 312-466-8200.