Redding, CA — A tragic incident at a local motel that claimed the life of a Redding woman has led to a significant jury verdict. The Sundial Lodge was found liable in a wrongful-death lawsuit following a fire that killed Jenell Foster, a 67-year-old resident of the motel. The Shasta County jury awarded approximately $6.4 million in damages to Foster’s four adult children, marking a notable case that underscores issues of safety and accountability in lodging facilities.
The case, which highlighted critical lapses in safety standards, centered around the absence of a functioning smoke detector in Foster’s room. The fire, which occurred on March 23, 2021, led to severe burn injuries for Foster, who was subsequently airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The lawsuit brought by Foster’s children alleged that the negligence of the motel contributed directly to their mother’s death.
Throughout the six-week trial, which began on November 5 and was presided over by Judge Benjamin Hanna, the legal team representing the Foster family argued convincingly about the motel’s failure to ensure the safety of its residents. The team, consisting of Brandon Storment, Catie Barr, and Anthony Garilli, emphasized the lack of smoke detectors as a key factor in the tragic outcome.
Foster had been residing at the Sundial Lodge as part of Project Roomkey, a state and county initiative aimed at providing safe lodging for individuals vulnerable to COVID-19. The fire that led to her injuries and eventual death was reportedly started by a toaster fire in her room. Subsequent investigations did not find a smoke detector in the room, which could have potentially prevented the fatal incident.
The legal proceedings were complex, involving detailed testimonies regarding the extent of Foster’s injuries and the motel’s safety practices. The defense maintained that a smoke detector was present and regularly tested, yet failed to produce convincing evidence or documentation to support this claim. This pivotal factor swayed the jury toward a verdict favoring the plaintiff.
In addition to the wrongful death claim, the trial also delved into discussions about changes in the law that now allow for claims of pre-death pain and suffering in wrongful death cases. Expert medical testimony was brought forth by both sides to argue the extent of Foster’s suffering before her death. The jury ultimately agreed with the plaintiff’s experts, awarding $3 million for Foster’s pre-death pain and suffering as part of the overall settlement.
This verdict not only provided financial restitution to Foster’s family but also issued a broader message about the importance of safety regulations and accountability in the hospitality industry. The outcome of the trial is seen as a step forward in ensuring that such tragedies are averted in the future, protecting other families from similar fates.
While the monetary award is a significant aspect of the verdict, the family emphasized that no amount could compensate for the loss of their loved one. They expressed hope that the case would serve as a precedent, fostering enhanced safety measures in motels and hotels nationwide.
The Sundial Lodge, which is owned by Mary Patel, was represented by the Fresno law firm McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth. Patel attended the trial daily, yet declined to comment on the verdict. The implications of this case underscore the emotional and legal ramifications of neglecting essential safety measures in public accommodations.
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