Man Files Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit After Wife Killed by Fire Truck
A fire department and volunteer firefighter are facing a pedestrian accident lawsuit after a fire truck struck and killed a woman last summer.
The pedestrian accident lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Paul R., the surviving spouse of the deceased woman in the Court of Common Pleas for Seneca County, Ohio. Paul’s lawsuit includes claims for wrongful death and he is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
The claim arises out of the death of Paul’s wife, 53-year old Lorri R. Lorri was killed on June 28, 2016 after she was hit by a truck from the Green Springs Rural Volunteer Fire Department, driven by volunteer firefighter Seth K. Both the fire department and Seth are named as defendants in Paul’s pedestrian accident lawsuit.
The accident allegedly happened after firefighters responded to a water rescue call at the Beaver Creek Reservoir. After the rescue was wrapped up, Seth allegedly began driving his truck backwards along the path atop the embankment. The path is usually closed to vehicles.
Lorri was walking along the embankment next to the reservoir when Seth backed the truck into her. She reportedly had headphones on, her phone out, and her back to the fire truck.
Another volunteer firefighter allegedly screamed at Seth to stop the truck. But by the time it stopped, Lorri had already been run over.
Prosecutors for Seneca County declined to press charges against Seth, citing a lack of adequate evidence that he had committed any crime.
In his pedestrian accident lawsuit, Paul describes Lorri as an avid walker who frequently spent time walking around the reservoir. He argues the accident could have been prevented had the fire department implemented proper safety measures.
According to Paul, several factors may have contributed to the accident. Seth’s view out the rear window was allegedly obscured by a hose reel. The fire department also failed to set up pedestrian barriers along the trail, and it did not assign any personnel to act as ground guides or spotters as Seth backed the truck up.
Lorri’s family filed this pedestrian accident lawsuit after asking the fire department at least three times to forward the matter to its insurance company, according to a press release.
Woman Hit by Fire Truck Leaves Behind Despondent Family
An attorney representing Paul and others in Lorri’s family says the accident has devastated those Lorri has left behind. Her local community also feels the loss of a community member who conducted children’s ministries.
The attorney notes the Green Springs Fire Department has yet to apologize for the incident or even extend its condolences.
Paul hopes this pedestrian accident lawsuit will lead to changes in safety practices at the fire department so that a similar accident does not happen again, according to his attorney.
“I want to see policies and procedures put into place,” the plaintiff said in a statement. “This should have never happened, and I do not want to see it happen to anyone else.”
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident in Texas, legal help is available. Contact The Emma Law Firm in the Dallas area today by filling out the form below!
At the time of this article The Emma Law Firm did not represent any of the individuals involved in this accident.