Duty to Act

County Settles False Arrest Suit By Firefighters

A scuffle between firefighters and county sheriffs at a vehicle accident scene in South Carolina has resulted in a monetary settlement in favor of the firefighters. The incident occurred in Chester County on February 14, 2014 at the scene of a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

Minneapolis Fire Sued Over Hypothermia Death

The family of a University of Minnesota freshman who died of hypothermia in 2013 has filed a massive lawsuit against the Minneapolis Fire Department and numerous other agencies accusing them of leaving his body in the elements for an extended ...

Burning Question: Liability Concerns Of A Volunteer Chief

Today’s burning question: What legal responsibility does a volunteer fire chief have for things that happen at the firehouse when the chief has left and gone home? If things like drinking on station property (which is already prohibited), minors being ...

Kentucky Overdose Suicide Prompts Suit Against Responders

The family of a Kentucky man who died of a suicide-related overdose in 2015 has filed suit against the fire department EMTs who they claim failed to properly transport him to the hospital when initially called. Frank Barberick committed suicide ...

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.

Labor and Management Find Common Ground on Liability Protection

Today’s burning question: Is it foreseeable that municipal leaders and their firefighters may one day be able to work toward a common goal rather than fighting over every single issue? Answer: It would appear that long awaited day has arrived in Illinois.

Virginia Firefighters Suspended For Transporting Toddler on Engine Reinstated

The two Stafford County, Virginia firefighters who were suspended for having transported an 18-month old child to the hospital on an engine company, have been reinstated. Captain James Kelley and Sergeant Virgil Bloom were reinstated yesterday as of 4 p.m.

Michigan City Sues Township Over Fire EMS Response Across The Street

Today’s burning question: There is a township fire station directly across the street from my property, but because the property is physically in the city, the township says they cannot respond. Shouldn’t the closest fire department to an emergency respond?

Retirement of DC Lieutenant Raises Question of Pension Following Dishonorable Service

Today’s burning question: Can a firefighter who is facing disciplinary action, avoid facing any punishment for his misconduct by quickly retiring before he can be terminated? Answer: An employee can resign at any time and there is nothing an employer can do to stop a separation of service from occurring. However, the employee’s entitlement to a pension is another story. A pension can be conditioned on honorable service.

$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.

Wrongful Death Suit Filed Over Misrouted 911 Call in California

A 911 call that was somehow misrouted to Canada resulting in a delayed response to a child who collapsed, is now the focus of a wrongful death suit brought by the child’s parents. Jose Beltran, 13, collapsed during a gym class on January 26, 2015

Kentucky EMS Provider and Medic Sued for Wrongful Death

A Kentucky paramedic who mistakenly pronounced a live patient dead is being sued by the victim's husband for failing to render care that ultimately led to her death. In April, 2014, Kristal Tygart , 46, was pronounced dead by Lincoln county medic Troy Cain.

Minnesota Firefighters on Leave Following Stoppage of Care at Nursing Home

Six members of the Maplewood, Minnesota Fire Department including the fire chief have been placed on administrative leave following a police investigation into the death of a 71-year old nursing home patient. According to news report, firefighters were called to the scene of a nursing home on August 7, 2015 where CPR was in progress.

Albuquerque Fire Investigating Why Dispatcher Hung Up on Caller

The Albuquerque Fire Department is investigating a firefighter who allegedly hung-up on a frantic 911 caller because the caller swore at him while CPR instructions were being given. Albuquerque firefighter Matthew Sanchez was working in the dispatch center when a caller reported that Jaydon Chavez-Silver, a 17 year old high school student, had been shot.

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