Baltimore Settles Fatal Accident Case from 2007

Today, the City of Baltimore settled a wrongful death suit brought by the estates of three people killed in a SUV that collided with a ladder truck in 2007.

The accident occurred at 3:00 am on December 9, 2007, when Ladder 27 was responding to a report of smoke in an apartment building. It collided with an SUV killing Iryna Petrov, 49, her husband, Mikhail Petrov, 35, and Igor Saub, 24, and injuring all four of the firefighters aboard.

Investigators concluded the ladder was traveling at 47 mph at the time, while the SUV was traveling at 23 mph. The fire turned out to be food on the stove. No criminal charges were filed against the driver of the ladder.

The case was settled for the modest sum of $40,000. Alex Poberesky, attorney for the plaintiffs, said concerns about strong immunity protection afforded to firefighters and fire departments in Maryland factored into the decision.

More on the accident.

More on the settlement.

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.
x

Check Also

Family Of Man Struck By Chief’s Vehicle Sues

The family of a man who was run over and dragged by a Georgia battalion chief at the scene of a shooting is suing the city for their emotional harm. Germayne Farrell was shot and killed in a shootout between rival motorcycle clubs, the Outcasts and Thug Riders.

Another Assisting Police Lawsuit in the News

A federal court in California has dismissed several counts in a lawsuit filed against the City of Richmond and American Medical Response West over the death of a man, but will otherwise allow the case to continue. The suit was brought by the family of Ivan Gutzalenko, who died on March 10, 2021.