A New Jersey family has promised to sue after a fire claimed the life of an 80-year-old family member. According to reports, the family believes that the man died a preventable death because fire and police officials failed to find their loved one in time. The family stated that fire and police officials did not find their father when they conducted their initial search of the property, and if they had, he may have survived.
Investigators are still working to determine exactly what caused the fire. Investigators believe that they have narrowed the investigation down to two potential causes, but have not reached a conclusion. The Bergen Avenue area building was engulfed in a 4-alarm fire when the incident occurred. Officials state that the man’s body was found during the Fire Department’s initial search, but that a chaplain and medical personnel were called before the family was notified of his death.
County officials and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, along with insurance companies are working to determine exactly what happened. In addition, the process may help determine what the best course of future action may be to resolve the case. The family has vowed to file a wrongful death claim, and will be naming the city of Jersey City along with the Fire and Police Departments.
The loss of a loved one is never easy. In cases where it is believed that the loss was due to a preventable death, the devastation may be even greater. Any New Jersey family who believes that they have lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of another party may choose to assess their options under our state’s personal injury laws. For this family, a successfully litigated wrongful death claim may help provide them with financial relief so that, as they move forward, they can ensure that their loved one’s wishes are met.
Source: NJ.com, “Jersey City fire director says fatal fire had 2 possible causes,” Michaelangelo Conte, Nov. 21, 2012
