Municipal Liability

New Hampshire Firefighter Claims He Was Sexually Harassed

A New Hampshire firefighter who resigned last December after enduring what he claims was years of sexually harassing comments and retaliation is now suing his former employer. Christopher R. Golomb filed suit against the City of Concord last month in Merrimack County Superior Court.

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Sacramento Settles Restraint Death Suit for $4.45 Million

The City of Sacramento has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit with the family of a man who died while being restrained during an EMS response, for $4.45 million. Reginald “Reggie” Payne, 48, suffered a cardic arrest while being restrained by police, who responded at the request of firefighters.

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Georgia Federal Court Denies Request to Remand Whistleblower Case

The US District Court for the Southern District of Georgia has refused to remand a former division chief’s whistleblower lawsuit back to state court. EMS Division Chief Summer Patterson filed suit against Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services and Fire Chief Freddy Howell claiming she was retaliated against and forced to resign after voicing her objection to the chief’s disciplinary decision making.

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NY Chief Challenges Removal

The fire chief of the Wading River Fire District who was removed by the district’s Board of Fire Commissioners last November, has filed suit alleging a violation of his statutory and constitutional due process rights. Fire Chief Kevin Berg was initially suspended and then removed as fire chief, all without notice of the reason for these actions, or an opportunity to respond.

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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.

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Court Dismisses Wrongful Death Suit Against DeKalb County Fire Rescue

The US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the mother of a man who died after exhibiting “excited delirium” and being sedated by DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Yvonne West brought suit against DeKalb County, a fire captain, four firefighters, and four police officers over the death of Jamon West in 2019.

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Cincinnati Fire Facing Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Suit

A Cincinnati firefighter has filed suit alleging she was sexually harassed, assaulted by a lieutenant and a firefighter, and retaliated against when she reported the misconduct. Rebecca Bryant filed suit today against the city, former Lieutenant Harold Wright, and firefighter Damonte Brown as defendants.

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Colorado Springs Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $160k

The City of Colorado Springs has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit brought by the daughter of a homeless woman who was inadvertently run over by a brush unit responding to a fire in a park in 2022. Margaret Miller, 76, was lying on the ground under debris and blankets on a dirt path.

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Wrongful Death Suit Blames Delayed Response of St. Louis Medic Unit

The City of St. Louis and two fire department EMTs are facing a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the sister of a man who died in 2021. Sharon LaRue claims that St. Louis Fire Department Medic 32 was dispatched for her brother, who has been struck by a vehicle. She further claims that Medic 32 stopped after being struck by a rock.

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Colorado Medic and Police Officer Sued Over Death of Suicidal Man

The estate of a man who died while in police custody after suffering from a mental health emergency, has filed suit against a police officer and a fire department medic who restrained him. Kevin Dizmang died on November 15, 2022 after a failed intervention by the Colorado Springs Police Department Crisis Response Unit.

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Connecticut PIO Sues Police for False Arrest and Malicious Prosecution

The Connecticut PIO who has charged with violating Joshua’s law on photo-taking by first responders, has filed suit against a police lieutenant, a Connecticut State Trooper and the Town of Montville alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil rights violation actionable through 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

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Philly BC Alleges Discrimination Over Denial of Gender Affirming Coverage

A Philadelphia battalion chief has filed suit against the city, IAFF Local 22, Local 22’s Health Plan, and Independent Blue Cross alleging gender discrimination by denying her “gender-affirming care and treatment.” The chief, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe, filed suit in US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

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Judge Refuses to Dismiss Claims of Former Cincinnati Chief

A federal court judge has ruled that former Cincinnati Fire Chief Michael Washington can only be removed for cause, and refused to dismiss his suit against the city of Cincinnati for what he alleges is a violation of his due process rights. Chief Washington was fired last year by City Manager Sheryl Long and Mayor Aftab Pureval.

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