Tag Archives: delayed response

Fire Law Roundup for March 17, 2025

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for March 17, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss the discipline handed down to four Evanston, Illinois firefighters who donned Trump masks for a firehouse photo; a bizarre case involving a Utah fire chief ...

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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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Seattle Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $1.8 Million

The family of a Seattle man who died after firefighters mistakenly staged waiting for police, has agreed to settle their $10 million wrongful death suit for $1.8 million. William Yurek died on November 2, 2021 following 911 calls reporting that he was experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing.

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Fire Law Roundup for April 3, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for April 3, 2023, Brad and Curt discuss the settlement of a lawsuit brought by the brother of a man whose body was used for intubation practice by a Washington state fire department; ...

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DC Firefighters Investigated For Delaying Response to Chest Pain Call

Two firefighters with the District of Columbia are facing possible discipline over allegations they delayed their response to a medical emergency in order to pick up a fast-food order. According to News4 reporter, Paul Wagner, the firefighters assigned to Ambulance 3, were dispatched to a call for a 57 y/o woman experiencing chest pain

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Illinois Abandons Public Duty Doctrine in Fire Department Case

In a split decision in a case involving a fire department, the Illinois Supreme court has taken the drastic step of abolishing the public duty doctrine in Illinois. The case involved a 911 call for a medical emergency that, for a variety of Murphy’s Law-type reasons, resulted in a 41-minute delay in accessing the patient

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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.

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NM Family Sues For Delayed Response

A New Mexico family is suing the City of Rio Rancho, the Rio Rancho Fire Department and the Rio Rancho Police Department over the loss of their home in a 2011 fire. Chris and Lisa Lopez’s house was destroyed by ...

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