Ten people were displaced and a family dog was killed after a Pasadena residential fire ignited and damaged six homes on Saturday afternoon.
The fire was first reported at approximately 1:45 p.m. on November 9th and caused various levels of fire damage to homes on the 1000 block of East Bell Street between Mentor and Catalina Avenue.
While there were no reported human injuries, the family dog of one resident, Roxy the 7-year-old English Bulldog, was found dead as a result of the fire.
While the cause of the fire is under investigation, the Department of Water and Power was called to deal with downed power lines.
Whatever the cause may be, ten lives are forever changed.
According to Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “When fire strikes, it does more than destroy buildings; it takes memories, cherished belongings, and for some, even beloved companions.”
However, residents may have options to help deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
“In complex cases like this, involving multiple damaged homes, fatalities, and displaced families, an investigation will be essential to determine the cause and potential responsible parties,” Singleton said. “Once those are established, claims for damages such as property loss, emotional distress, and financial hardship can be pursued.”
What Should Residents of the Bell Street Fire Do?
Those affected by this tragedy should promptly pursue insurance claims for property damage and displacement costs. However, insurance companies often attempt to deny or underpay valid claims. It may be in their best interests to speak with an experienced attorney to help them understand their options.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the fire, residents of the Bell Street fire may also have several potential legal claims, which would necessitate the help of an attorney. These claims may include, but are not limited to:
Negligence: If the fire was caused by another person’s negligent actions, residents may have grounds for a negligence claim against that party.
Product Liability: If a defective product such as electrical equipment or a faulty smoke alarm contributed to or failed to prevent the fire, residents may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
Utility Company Liability: According to reports, downed live power lines were involved. If it is found that those lines contributed to the fire, there may be a claim against the utility company, such as Pasadena Water and Power or Southern California Edison. For example, the power utility company may be liable if the transmission lines or equipment were installed improperly, poorly maintained, not inspected promptly, or if they failed to meet safety standards.
“An experienced attorney will how know to help those affected by fire, connect them to valuable resources in its wake, and help them pursue all avenues of financial recovery,” Singleton went on to say.
If you or a loved one are a resident of one of the homes burned on Bell Street in Pasadena, Singleton Schreiber can help. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com. As a leader in fire litigation in California, they understand how investigations work, how fires affect families, and how to fight for justice on behalf of victims of residential fires.
