A devastating fire broke out Sunday night, July 14, 2025, at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, killing nine residents and injuring many others. The blaze started shortly after 9:30 pm in one wing of the facility, which houses about 70 residents, many of whom are elderly or have mobility challenges.
Emergency crews arrived to find smoke, flames, and residents calling for help from windows. Firefighters and police officers rushed into the building, rescuing over a dozen individuals who could not evacuate on their own. Over 30 residents were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment. One person remains in critical condition.
Fire officials reported that the facility had sprinklers and alarms, but it remains unclear whether all fire safety systems were functioning at the time. The fire was eventually contained, but the damage, particularly from smoke, was significant.
If your family has been affected by this tragic incident, Singleton Schreiber is here to help. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
The Elevated Fire Risks in Assisted Living Facilities and Older Buildings
Fires in assisted living facilities can be especially dangerous due to the vulnerability of the residents. Many individuals in these settings are elderly, disabled, or have medical conditions that limit their ability to escape quickly in an emergency.
Older buildings often pose increased fire risks due to outdated electrical systems, aging fire suppression equipment, and structural vulnerabilities. While facilities like Gabriel House are typically required to meet specific fire code requirements, enforcement and upkeep can fall short, placing residents at risk.
This fire is a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough fire safety inspections, routine maintenance, and effective emergency response plans in care facilities. When something goes wrong in these high-risk environments, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Legal Options for Victims and Their Families
Families who have lost a loved one in this fire, or whose relatives were injured may have legal recourse through wrongful death or personal injury claims. If an investigation reveals that negligence contributed to the fire, like failing wiring, inadequate maintenance, or non-functional alarm or sprinkler systems, those responsible may be held accountable.
“In fires like this, the biggest dangers are smoke inhalation, burns, and delayed rescues, especially when residents have health issues or can’t move quickly,” said Marianna Sarkisyan, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “We often investigate whether safety systems were working, if staff responded the way they should have, and whether regular maintenance was being done. If corners were cut, the facility, repair crews, or even equipment makers could be held responsible.”
Wrongful death claims can help families seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering of the descendant
- And more
Personal injury claims may allow survivors to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- And more
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The property owner or facility operator
- Maintenance contractors or service providers
- Equipment manufacturers (in the case of faulty alarms or sprinklers)
At Singleton Schreiber, our attorneys have deep experience handling complex fire-related cases and claims involving care facilities. We are prepared to investigate the facts, work with fire safety experts, and help families pursue justice.
If your loved one was injured or killed in the Fall River fire, contact us today to explore your legal options.
