The Legal Chronicle
Debbie Leshelle Allen, Kerry Sims Lost in Minneapolis, MN Apartment Fire. (StarTribune.com)
Debbie Leshelle Allen, Kerry Sims Minneapolis, MN: Fire Tragically Claims Lives.
The recent fire at a Minneapolis, MN apartment complex raises serious questions about fire safety and potential legal claims for Debbie Leshelle Allen and Kerry Sims’ families. Our firm has over 25 years of experience representing victims of 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.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN NEWS
An apartment fire in Minneapolis, MN Monday night, Aug 5, 2024, tragically claimed one life.
As reported by MPRnews.org, “[t]he fire at 1501 11th Ave. S was reported just before 9:45 p.m., and the first fire crews on the scene found heavy smoke coming from the third floor of the four-story building.”
According to the report, “[t]hree of the injured residents — including a teenager — suffered burns; the fourth had smoke inhalation. Fire officials say all four were taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition. Two firefighters were evaluated on-scene for overexertion.”
KSTP.com is reporting, “[t]he Minneapolis Fire Department conducted another search Thursday morning at the scene of 11th Avenue South near East 15th Street in the Elliot Park neighborhood. After searching through the rubble, they found an older man dead. In a later update Thursday, fire crews found a second person dead on the fourth floor under the rubble from the roof collapse.”
RedLakeNationNews.com is reporting, “[t]he Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said Monday that the body of Kerry Sims, 66, was found Aug. 13 in the rubble of the 22-unit building in the 1500 block of S. 11th Avenue S. near downtown. On Friday, the examiner’s office identified the other person found dead in the building as Debbie Leshelle Allen, 59.”
Fire inspectors continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
Potential Legal Claims for Families of Debbie Leshelle Allen, Kerry Sims? Read Below for Information.
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 fire safety measures at the complex may have contributed to this incident.
- 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 families of Debbie Leshelle Allen and Kerry Sims 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 families of Debbie Leshelle Allen and Kerry Sims and any injured victims 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 families 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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OUR RESULTS: NEARLY $250 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
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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