The Legal Chronicle
Legal Claims Available to Family? Douglas Webster Woodstock Fire:
We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of fire safety negligence and security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $250 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available to Douglas Webster’s family.
Douglas Webster Loses Life in Woodstock, IL Apartment Fire. (LakeMcHenryScanner.com)
Woodstock, IL NEWS – An apartment fire Tuesday night, November 12, 2024, tragically claimed one life.
As reported by ShawLocal.com, “[t]he Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded at 10:13 p.m. to the fire at the two-story apartment complex in the 700 block of St. John’s Road in Woodstock, receiving multiple 911 calls reporting heavy fire conditions and potentially trapped occupants while en route.”
CBSNews.com is reporting, “[p]reliminary investigations indicate the fire began in a first-floor unit…The building lacked both a sprinkler and central smoke alarm system, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire throughout the two-story complex.”
According to the report, “[o]ne man suffered life-threatening injuries in the fire. Fire officials said he was taken to Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital where he died.”
LakeMcHenryScanner.com is reporting, “McHenry County Coroner…identified the victim as Douglas Webster, 54, of Woodstock.”
Fire inspectors continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
Potential Legal Claims for Family of Douglas Webster?
Our Legal Take
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
As authorities continue their investigation, premises liability attorneys with The Murray Law Firm question whether a lack of security or fire safety measures at the complex may have contributed to this incident.
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the incident?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- What fire safety measures, such as working smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and emergency exits, were in place and working at the time of the fire?
- When was the last fire inspection performed on the property?
- Were any safety measures added after any previous inspections?
- Was the property owner aware of any inadequate fire safety measures present prior to the fire?
As details of this fire continue to emerge, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the apartment complex failed to undertake proper safety measures to protect those residents and guests legally on the premises. Under certain State law, the owner and management company of an apartment complex have a duty to protect residents and to keep the premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a consequence. Should the apartment complex be found at fault, the family of Douglas Webster may elect to hold the owner and management company civilly liable for their loss and suffering.
As insurance companies and unscrupulous property owners are often concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that the family of Douglas Webster retain an experienced premises liability firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as a faulty fire alarm or a poor evacuation plan, is preserved and the family’s best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in premises liability and apartment negligence cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.
If anyone has information to share, or if anyone is seeking information regarding this incident, please contact us at 888.842.1616. You can also read similar potential cases in the Legal Take section of our site.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of property and security negligence. We have obtained nearly $250 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.
We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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