A devastating two-alarm fire erupted early Sunday morning at the Waterstone Apartments in Fremont, California, leaving one woman, Charlotte Holguin, dead and three others injured while displacing dozens of residents. 

The fire started around 2:53 am on April 6, 2025, in a fourth-floor unit of building 25 at 3939 Bidwell Drive. Firefighters responded within minutes and were met with intense flames pouring from the affected apartment. 

Authorities believe that Holguin and another critically injured individual either fell or attempted to lower themselves from their balcony to escape the fire. Their fall occurred as firefighters were trying to position a 35-foot ground ladder for rescue as their aerial ladder could not be used due to obstructions in the parking lot. 

A third person managed to escape the unit and was hospitalized in serious condition. A fourth individual was treated and released, but officials are still determining whether they lived in the affected unit or an adjacent one. 

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire by 3:40 am, but not before the building sustained significant smoke and water damage. City officials have red-tagged the structure, rendering it uninhabitable. More than 30 firefighters, along with the American Red Cross and property management, are working to support the displaced residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fremont Fire Department and local police. 

Why Apartment Fires Are So Dangerous and Who Can Be Responsible for Starting Them 

Apartment fires can be particularly deadly due to the number of people living in close proximity and the speed at which fires can spread through shared walls, ceilings, and ventilation systems. In situations like the one in Fremont, limited access for emergency responders and a lack of adequate fire safety features can quickly turn a dangerous situation into a fatal one. 

Common causes of apartment fires include: 

• Electrical malfunctions such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits
• Kitchen accidents involving unattended cooking or flammable materials
• Heaters or space heaters placed too close to combustible items
• Negligence by residents, including smoking indoors or improper use of appliances
• Property management failures, such as inadequate maintenance, blocked emergency exits, or lack of working smoke alarms or sprinklers

“Apartment fires are among the most heartbreaking cases we see, not only because of the lives lost, but because they are often preventable. When a loved one dies in a fire due to someone else’s negligence, whether it’s a landlord, maintenance company, or another party, it’s important for families to get answers and justice,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our team has helped families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, and we know how to hold the right people accountable with compassion and determination.”

Legal Options for Victims and Families After a Fatal Apartment Fire

For those impacted by the Waterstone Apartments fire, legal options may be available to help them recover from this traumatic event. Both survivors and the family of Charlotte Holguin may be entitled to pursue compensation through civil claims. 

Wrongful Death Claims

Charlotte Holguin’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if it’s found that negligence contributed to the fatal fire. Potential defendants could include the property management company, building owner, maintenance contractors, or even third parties if defective equipment or fire hazards were involved. 

Injury Claims

Survivors who suffered injuries may be able to file personal injury claims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. 

Claims for Displaced Residents

Tenants who lost their homes and belongings due to the fire may be able to seek compensation for property loss and relocation costs, particularly if there’s evidence that the fire or its aftermath was worsened by poor building maintenance or fire safety violations. 

If you were affected by the Waterstone Apartments fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how we can help you. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation today. 

A tragic incident in Vista, California, has left a family mourning the loss of Silvanna Moreno, 9-years-old, who passed away just hours after undergoing dental surgery that involved general anesthesia. The procedure took place on March 18 at Dreamtime Dentistry, located on Vista Village Drive. 

After the dental procedure, the 9-year-old Moreno was moved to a recovery room before being discharged. According to reports, she fell asleep on the car ride home and remained asleep. When her family went to check on her later, she was unresponsive. Emergency responders took her to Rady Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. 

The San Diego Police Department has launched an investigation into her death, and the Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to determine the official cause. It remains unclear whether the dental procedure or the administration of anesthesia played a role in the tragic outcome. 

The Dangers of Anesthesia Errors and Medical Malpractice

The use of general anesthesia in dental procedures, particularly for children, carries inherent risks that require strict protocols and expert monitoring. If an anesthesiologist or medical professional fails to adhere to protocol, the consequences can be devastating. In cases where anesthesia is improperly administered, it may be considered medical malpractice. 

Several potential errors in anesthesia administration could lead to serious harm or death: 

• Dosage Miscalculations – administering too much anesthesia can suppress breathing and heart function, while too little may cause a patient to regain consciousness during the procedure. 
• Failure to Monitor Vital Signs – continuous monitoring of a patient’s oxygen levels, heart rate, and respiratory function is crucial to detect distress early. 
• Delayed Response to Complications – if an adverse reaction occurs, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent fatal consequences.
• Improper Discharge Procedures – patients must be carefully assessed before being sent home to ensure they are stable and recovering safely. 

Other forms of medical negligence could also have contributed to this young girl’s passing, including failure to review her medical history for potential anesthesia risks or inadequate post-procedure instructions to her guardians. 

“Losing a child under these circumstances is a devastating tragedy that no family should have to endure,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “While anesthesia is a common medical tool, it requires the highest level of care and precision because any misstep can have catastrophic consequences. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the heartbreak, confusion, and frustration families suffer after such a devastating loss. An experienced personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable and fight for justice for the family.”

Legal Recourse for the Families Affected by Medical Malpractice 

When a patient dies due to potential medical negligence, the family may have legal options to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. In cases of medical malpractice, a wrongful death claim can hold negligent parties accountable and provide compensation for: 

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before the patient’s passing
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering 
• Potential future financial losses related to the child’s untimely death

If you have lost a loved one to medical malpractice, contact Singleton Schreiber to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com today.