Bailey & Greer PLLC

4 Year Old Boy Dies in Memphis Apartment Fire, Family Awarded $2.75 Million

Bailey & Greer recently achieved a $2.75 million settlement in a premises liability wrongful death lawsuit, which stemmed from the death of a four year old boy who died in an apartment fire in Memphis, Tennessee. Although the death of any child is tragic, this death was particularly egregious because it should never have happened.  This case represents an example of the catastrophic consequences that occur when corporations place profits over people.  These are just a few of the things we established during the lawsuit:

• During the six month period leading up to the deadly fire, the apartment complex experienced dozens of complaints of sparking electrical outlets, smoking outlets, popping noises coming from outlets, flickering lights, and other electrical problems.
• The apartment complex experienced an electrical fire just two months before the fatal fire.
• The apartment complex used unlicensed maintenance personnel to make illegal electrical repairs throughout the complex in an effort to cut costs.
• There was evidence that the smoke detector in the apartment was not functioning properly.
• The apartment complex contained aluminum wiring which was improperly installed and maintained.
• The dangers of aluminum wiring have been well known since the 1970s, and there are certain modifications that can be done to make it safe.  Despite the known dangers of aluminum wiring, the owner and management company took no steps to correct the faulty wiring prior to the fatal fire.

It was an honor to represent the mother of this precious little boy.  Although no amount of money can ever possibly make up for the death of a child, as Memphis premises liability attorneys we certainly hope that our efforts will cause corporations to place safety above profits, and that our community will be safer as a result.