major-incidents

Buffalo LODD Suit Names City, Building Owner and Contractor

The widow of a firefighter who died in a building fire last March, has filed suit against the building’s owner, a contractor, and the City of Buffalo. Sarah-Elizabeth L. Tierney filed suit in Erie County Supreme Court naming JP Contracting of WNY, LLC., 743 Main Street, LLC., and the city as defendants, accusing them of negligence and wrongful death.

Maui County Sues Utilities Over Wildland Fires

Maui County has filed suit against four utility companies servicing the island seeking damages arising out of the devastation wildland fires that occurred earlier this month. The suit names Maui Electric Company, Limited, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company, Inc., and Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. as defendants.

Parents Sue NY State Over Training Academy Death

The parents of a firefighter who died while training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science, have filed suit alleging negligence and recklessness. Peyton L.S. Morse, a recruit with the Watertown Fire Department, died after suffering a medical emergency while in engaged in a training evolution.

Walmart Fire Headlines – It Is Not A Suit But A Claim – Right Now

A major fire at a Walmart distribution center in Plainfield, Indiana earlier this year, has led to the filing of tort claims with 34 different fire agencies. This is turn has prompted headlines proclaiming that Walmart has sued all of these entities, which is not the case - at least not as of today.

Massachusetts Explosions Prompt Delaware Lawsuit by Detroit Pension System

How can a series of catastrophic explosions in Lawrence, Massachusetts lead the pension system for firefighters in Detroit, Michigan to file a lawsuit in Delaware? Let’s give the ending away right now, since it is not nearly as interesting as how the case came to be brought: the Detroit pension system loses.

FDNY Firefighter Settles Suit Over 9-11 Related Cancer for $2.5 Million

An FDNY firefighter who developed 9-11 related cancer, has reached a $2.5 million settlement with the city. Brian Kevan, 53, worked for months at the World Trade Center site following 9-11. In 2019, Kevan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Fire Law Roundup – February 28, 2022

In this episode, Brad and Curt discuss a sexual harassment lawsuit out of Hartford, Connecticut; a $100 million lawsuit filed by three Dallas firefighters injured in an explosion; a lawsuit against Sacramento Metro fire over a boating accident; a lawsuit against Honolulu fire over a dropped patient; and a wrongful death lawsuit against an SCBA manufacturer and those who maintained them.

Court Grants Award of Attorney’s Fees in FOIA Case Related to 1988 KC LODD Explosion

A man who spent 22 years in prison for his involvement in the massive 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters, was been awarded $344,122.30 in legal fees following his successful Freedom of Information lawsuit.

Fire Law Roundup – January 24, 2022

In this session of Fire Law Roundup, Brad and Curt discuss the lawsuits arising out of the Los Angeles County firehouse shooting incident on June 1, 2021, a second suit filed in the KCMO fatal apparatus accident lawsuit in December, ...

Second Circuit Reinstates First Amendment Suit Against FDNY

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a lawsuit filed by an FDNY fire marshal who was removed from an investigation into the cause of a fire on the set of a Bruce Willis movie that killed a firefighter on March 22, 2018. Scott P. Specht filed suit alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights, retaliation under NY civil service law (whistleblower), and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Judge Orders Utility to Disclose Details on Dixie Fire

In a highly unusual judicial move, a US District Court judge has ordered the embattled utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, to disclose information it has relative to the origins of the still-active Dixie fire in Northern California. The fire began on July 13, 2021, is less that 25% contained, and is predicted to become the largest wildland fire in California history.

Accused Bricelyn Street Arsonist Will Face Federal Jury 26 Years Later

The man whose state court conviction for setting a fire that killed three Pittsburgh firefighters in 1995 was set aside due to prosecutorial misconduct, will have to face a retrial after all in federal court. Gregory Brown Jr. was convicted of setting the Bricelyn Street Fire on Valentine’s day, 1995.

Dismissal of Wilmington LODD Suit Upheld by Third Circuit

The 3rd Circuit has upheld the dismissal of a suit brought by the estates of three Wilmington firefighters who were killed and three others who were injured in a 2016 building fire. The fire claimed the lives of LT Christopher Leach, FF Ardythe Hope, and FF Jerry Fickes. FF Brad Speakman, FF Terrance Tate, and LT John Cawthray, were seriously injured during the rescue efforts.

Judge Tosses Wilmington LODD Suit

A federal judge in Delaware has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the families of three Wilmington firefighters who were killed and three other firefighters who were injured in a 2016 building fire. The September 24, 2016 fire claimed the lives of Lieutenant Christopher Leach, FF Ardythe Hope, and FF Jerry Fickes

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