Civil Suit

Vermont Fire Department Sued Over Ketamine Injection

The mother of a 14-year-old boy with developmental disabilities has filed suit against the City of Burlington, Vermont accusing police and firefighters of racial bias, excessive force, and unnecessarily injecting her son with ketamine in an effort to subdue him in 2021. Cathy Austrian filed suit in Chittenden County Superior Court accusing the city of several state law violations.

Read More »

Oregon Firefighter Alleges Race Discrimination and Retaliation

A Portland firefighter has filed suit seeking $1.2 million in damages for the race discrimination and retaliation he endured. Jason Wilson filed suit Multnomah County Circuit Court claiming he was denied promotions, given unequal training opportunities, and harassed on account of his race; and retaliated against after he complained.

Read More »

FDNY Prevails in Suit Brought by Injured Kayaker

The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a kayaker who was serious injured during an FDNY marine rescue. Frank Marino Jr., 17, was kayaking in Jamaica Bay on May 30, 2014 when he capsized prompting an FDNY response.

Read More »

Judge Abruptly Dismisses Suit Against FDNY

A lawsuit filed by a former FDNY electrician accusing the city of discrimination and retaliation has been dismissed, accompanied by a blistering decision by the trial judge. Edward Pitre filed the action in 2018 alleging race discrimination, retaliation, and a violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Read More »

Fired Colorado Fire Officer Claims Disability Discrimination

A Colorado fire lieutenant who was terminated for failing to comply with requirements associated with his return to duty following a DUI, has filed suit alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Anthony Falbo filed suit in federal court naming the Poudre Fire Authority and the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District as defendants.

Read More »

Former Fire Chief Sues NY Fire District for $4 Million

The former fire chief of the Hagerman Fire District has filed suit against the district and its board of directors alleging gender discrimination, hostile workplace, and retaliation under state and federal law. Nicole Pannhurst filed suit in US District Court alleging violations of Title VII, New York’s Human Rights Law, and civil rights violations under 42 USC § 1983.

Read More »

Split Decision for Chicago Fire in Disability Discrimination Suit

The US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois handed down a split decision on a disability discrimination case filed by a paramedic candidate for the Chicago Fire Department. Donna Griffin filed suit after the Chicago Fire Department concluded she was “not medically fit” due to the medications she was taking for adjustment disorder and insomnia.

Read More »

Fire Law Roundup for January 22, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for January 22, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss a wrongful death sue brought against two firefighters and a city over the death of a homeless man who overdosed; the settlement of a wrongful ...

Read More »

Ohio Fire Department and Medics Sued for Wrongful Death

The estate of an Ohio man who died while being transported to the hospital, has filed suit against two fire department medics and the City of Middletown. William “Billy” Jeffreys died while being transported by a Middletown Fire Department ambulance from a city warming center to the Atrium Medical Center on March 7, 2022.

Read More »