Early on Christmas morning, Steven Weatherford and his brother, Jerry Weatherford, were sleeping in the living room of their childhood home when a fire broke out, ultimately leading to Steven’s death.
Around 6:30 am Jerry awoke to see smoke billowing out from underneath the TV, and within seconds the entire wall was on fire, filling the house with smoke. Struggling to breathe, Jerry ran out of the house, yelling to alert the rest of the family.
Steven then went up to the second floor where his father and aunts were sleeping to wake them and help them escape the blaze. Both aunts were able to get downstairs and out the backdoor, while his father, unable to get down the stairs, escaped through a bedroom window. Unfortunately, Steven never emerged from the house.
Authorities informed the Weatherford family that Steven died of smoke inhalation. The Oakland Fire Department is conducting an investigation to determine what caused the fire.
Common Causes of House Fires
Unfortunately, house fires are common occurrences in the United States. According to the Red Cross, the number of house fires increases in the fall and winter, peaking in December and January. What tends to cause this increase in fires?
- Use of heating appliances – furnaces and space heaters may malfunction if not properly maintained and can cause fires
- Holiday decorations – Christmas lights, candles, and other holiday decorations can ignite if placed too close to flammable materials
- Cooking – unattended stoves or ovens, grease fires, and mishandling of flammable materials in the kitchen can ignite fires
- Electrical issues – faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and damaged cords can spark and cause fires
“Steven Weatherford’s heroic actions on Christmas morning show the incredible love and selflessness he had for his family, making his loss even more heartbreaking,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “As an attorney who has worked with families impacted by tragic house fires, I know how devastating these events can be, not only due to the lives lost but also for the loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces.
“My heart goes out to the Weatherford family during this unimaginable time, and I encourage anyone affected by similar tragedies to seek the support and guidance they need to begin the journey toward justice.”
Legal Options Available to Victims of House Fires
Victims of house fires may face significant challenges, including medical expenses, property damage, emotional trauma, and more. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the fire, those affected may have several legal options to explore, including:
- Personal injury claim – if the fire was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a landlord failing to conduct regular maintenance or a neighbor’s unsafe actions
- Wrongful death claim – if the fire was caused by another’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions and ultimately caused the death of a loved one
- Product liability claim – if a defective appliance, heating system, or electrical device contributed to the fire, victims may have a claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the faulty product
- And more
Filing a claim may allow victims to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost property, emotional distress, and temporary housing costs, and in cases of wrongful death, they can get compensation to cover funeral and burial expenses, and more.
If you have been affected by a house fire or have tragically lost a loved one in a fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation.
