Settlements Announced in Virginia Double LODD Accident Case

Posted by: Curt Varone April 30, 2013 0

A civil suit arising out of a double LODD apparatus accident in 2010 in Rocky Mount, Virginia, is one step closer to being resolved as two of the three parties have resolved their claims.

The accident occurred on July 26, 2010 when an engine driven by Fire Chief Posey W. Dillon, of the Rocky Mount Fire Department collided in an intersection with a vehicle driven by Teri Anne Valentine. The apparatus was responding on mutual aid to a reported structure fire in a neighboring community.

Chief Dillon and Firefighter William D. Altice died in the accident. Neither were wearing seatbelts and both were ejected. A Virginia State Police investigation concluded that Ms. Valentine had the green light at the time of the accident.

Last year FF Altice’s estate sued Ms. Valentine and Chief Dillion’s estate for $2 million alleging both were grossly negligent in driving their respective vehicles. Chief Dillon’s estate and Ms. Valentine filed cross-claims against each other, each alleging the other was responsible..

The settlement announced today involves the cross claims between Chief Dillon’s estate and Ms. Valentine. The terms of the settlement have not been released.

FF Altice’s suit remains on schedule to be tried in September, 2013.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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