Texas Responders Sue Chemical Plant

Seven first responders to the disastrous chemical fire in Crosby. Texas last month have filed suit against the chemical company and three of its top managers seeking damages in excess of one million dollars in damages. The explosions and fire occurred after Hurricane Harvey struck the region.

Omaha Seeks $100k From Contractor Responsible for Explosion

The City of Omaha, Nebraska is seeking to recover over $100,000 in firefighting costs from a contractor responsible for an explosion and fire earlier this year. The January 9, 2016 incident in the historic Old Market neighborhood gutted a building ...

Bridgeport Facing Multi-Million Dollar Claim Over Lack of MSDS for Fire

The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut is facing a multi-million dollar claim by the owner of a warehouse that burned in 2014. The owner claims the fire department made the chemical fire worse by applying water, all because firefighters lacked access to MSDS information.

Fire Academy Threatened With Suit Over Groundwater Pollution from AFFF

The Barnstable County Fire Academy on Cape Cod is facing an environmental lawsuit and possible shut down over ground water pollution attributed to the use of AFFF over the years. According to local officials, two wells that provide drinking water to several area communities had to be closed last spring due to elevated levels perfluorooctane sulfonate. The wells are adjacent to the academy.

WV County and City Seek to Recoup Costs of Hazmat Spill

Kanawha County and the City of Charleston, West Virginia have filed a civil suit against the parties responsible for the 2014 Elk River chemical spill. The action was filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court last week naming West Virginia American Water, Eastman Chemical Company and several affiliated parties.

Injured California Firefighters Sue Firms Responsible for Explosion

Four firefighters from two California departments have filed suit against two firms that were responsible for an explosion in Santa Paula last year. The firefighters were reportedly injured at the scene after they were assured by company representatives that is was safe for them to enter.

Nebraska Supreme Court Rules in Roadway Cleanup Case

The Supreme Court of Nebraska has ruled that a fire department can be liable to a motorist injured due to the department’s negligence in clearing spilled debris from a roadway. The court went even further ruling that the fire department’s response to the scene cuts off any duty that the original motorist may have had to other motorists for causing the initial spill.

Ohio Woman Claims Ambulance Sprayed Her With Toxic Chemical

A woman who claims she suffered burns from an unknown chemical sprayed by a Columbus (OH) Fire Division ambulance has filed suit against the city. Maureen Koeppen claims she was riding in a convertible on August 6, 2013 when a ...

Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

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