Tag Archives: gross negligence

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.

Flint Facing $50 Million Suit Over Fire Deaths

The long-awaited wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Flint and two firefighters has been filed by the mother of two boys who died after a housefire last year. Crystal Cooper claims that Sgt. Daniel Sniegocki and firefighter Michael Zlotek are responsible for the deaths of Zyaire and Lamar Mitchell.

Fire Law Roundup for August 1, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for August 1, 2022, Brad and Curt discuss a gender discrimination suit by two chief officers in the Tulsa Fire Department; a ruling by the Texas Court of Appeals holding that backpay for ...

Court Rules Fire Department Not Immune From Liability For EMS Gross Negligence

The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that governmental immunity does not protect a municipal fire department from liability for gross negligence in an EMS related wrongful death suit. The case was brought by the family of Patrick Antonio Clemons-Hodges, against the City of Detroit and two EMTs.

Illinois FD Sued by Fall Victim

An Illinois woman who was injured in a fall last year, has filed suit accusing the Joliet Fire Department and two of its paramedics with committing gross negligence. Pamela Sinram and her husband Kevin filed suit this week in Will County Circuit Court.

Utah Supreme Court Creates Exception to Professional Rescuer Rule

In a landmark decision the Supreme Court of Utah has ruled that a firefighter injured at an emergency scene can recover from a property owner despite the professional rescuer rule when the injury results from gross negligence or intentional conduct. The 3-2 ruling handed down last week will allow a suit filed by South Salt Lake firefighter David Scott Ipsen to proceed.

Fire College Employees Sue AFFF Manufacturers For $35 Million

Six former employees of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala who developed thyroid diseases and/or various cancers have filed a class action lawsuit against ten parties they claim were responsible for exposing them to toxic chemicals contained in AFFF. The suit claims the defendants were responsible for bringing AFFF to the college, and that two toxic components of the foam, PFOS and PFOA, caused their illnesses.

Negligence Suit Reinstated Against Four New York Fire Departments

Supreme Court of New York’s Appellate Division has reinstated a suit against four volunteer fire departments alleging negligence in fighting a house fire in 2014. Franciszek C. Kulon claims the Liberty Fire District, Loch Sheldrake FD, Grahamsville Volunteer FD, and the Neversink FD were grossly negligent when they responded to his home on February 18, 2014.

Columbus Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $1.2 Million

The City of Columbus has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit brought by the estate of a woman who died in 2011, for $1.2 million. The case has garnered some sensational headlines, including allegations the medics appeared more concerned with their own lunch plans than the condition of the patient.

Property Owner Sues Ohio City and City Officials Including Fire Chief

A property owner is suing an Ohio city and 20 city employees claiming they illegally barred him from creating four units in two existing buildings. Bryon Graf filed suit against the City of Nelsonville naming the fire chief, the police chief, the city manager, the city council, and the planning commission

$1 Million Wrongful Death Suit Claims Michigan Medics Missed Victim

The estate of a man who died in a vehicle accident last July is suing the responding EMS provider alleging that the first medics dispatched to the scene missed him slumped over in the front seat, resulting on a one hour and 48 minute delay in care that cost him his life.

Families of Houston LODDs Sue Building Owners Seeking at Least $4 Million

The families of three of the four Houston firefighters killed at the Southwest Inn fire in 2013 have filed a wrongful death against the building’s owners seeking between $1 and $5 million in damages each.