Virginia Jury Clears Apparatus Driver in Double LODD Suit

Posted by: Curt Varone September 25, 2013 1 Comment

A Virginia jury has returned a defense verdict in favor of the estate of the driver of an engine company that collided with a civilian vehicle back in 2010, resulting in two firefighter fatalities.

Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Chief, Posey Dillon, and firefighter Danny Altice were killed in the July 26, 2010 accident. Chief Dillon was driving the engine on a mutual aid run to a reported structure fire when it collided with an SUV driven by Teri Anne Valentine. The engine rolled over three times.

Altice's estate sued the estate of Chief Dillon and Valentine claiming Dillon was speeding and Valentine was negligent in not yielding the right of way.

The jury found that Chief Dillon was not liable for the accident, and held Valentine liable for the costs Altice's funeral, nearly $10,000.

WSET.com – ABC13
 

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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