I was just curious about what legal action one can take against the Fire Department. One of my family friends had a fire that broke out in their garage, thankfully the family was able to vacate the house, and call 911. The Fire Department was able to put it out before the rest of the house caught ablaze, but everything in the garage was ruined. Upon inspection by the Chief there was no definite cause, he said it was possible that a refrigerator malfunctioned, or that it was faulty electrical above the garage door opener. The crew then did an inspection to make sure that the fire had not spread, and they sprayed water in areas they thought needed it (attic, and a few walls). The chief then deeming it safe to enter and walked the family through the home to gather anything that could be stolen, guns, computers, wallets, and important documents. Being late at night he was supposedly rushing the family saying that the rest of the items (anything not important to theft) could be gathered in the morning, then stated that the family could stay in the home if they would like, but he recommended they get a Hotel to let the smoke smell disperse.
5 in the morning, the family gets a call from a neighbor letting them know that their house was full ablaze, by the time the fire department got there it was too late, the house was a total loss. Everything inside was reduced to ashes, the only thing left was one wall standing, with a few dishes and a bookshelf. Its been really hard watching my friend go through this, his brother hadn't even graduated high school yet, and his mother is sick with Crohns disease (which is heavily influenced by stress). Fast forward a couple months, the family managed to find a house to stay and most necessities have been replaced. The father does not believe in suing, I think its a religious thing, or he is just too busy to want to deal with it, but you can tell that they are struggling. Insurance seems helpful, it paid for their hotel while they found their house, and replaced some clothes and their beds. There are still many things missing from their home, tables, couches, tv's. Not to be rude, but it looks like my house in college. Even though they seem to be getting by it really saddens me to see my friend liveing like this.
I was just wondering if there is any Legal recourse you can take? Is it even possible to sue a Fire Department, or perhaps the Fire Marshal. I don't really know any laws pertaining to Fireman conduct, but another friend who is in fire training said that they should have sprayed foam. Do they not have to watch the house for a designated time frame either? On top of that the land lord (as they were renting) claiming that since they did not remove their cindered couches, tables, and other items he was not entitled to give the deposit back. I am also curious is there a time frame that you have to file a lawsuit? Can my friend (23) file the lawsuit, or does it have to be his father? Any information would be very appreciated. This happened in California, as I know laws are pretty strange here. I can provide a little information if anything else is pertinent.
Submitted September 21, 2016 at 11:55AM by tantalized http://ift.tt/2cTovtK legaladvice
No comments:
Post a Comment