PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of three survivors of a devastating fire at the Gabriel House independent and assisted living facility, which resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and numerous injuries in July.
The legal action, initiated by the law firm Morgan & Morgan, names both the facility’s owner, Dennis Etzton, and a fire protection equipment company as defendants. According to the suit, Etzton was aware or should have been aware that several residents were smoking in their rooms, despite the presence of medical oxygen, which poses an increased fire risk.
The complaint asserts that Gabriel House failed to effectively enforce its no-smoking policy. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal have pointed to smoking materials and an oxygen concentrator as potential factors that contributed to the fire, although the official cause remains undetermined.
In addition, the lawsuit raises concerns about safety protocols at Gabriel House, claiming that the facility did not have a legally required emergency preparedness plan. It also notes that the elevator had been out of service for eight months prior to the fire, which could have hindered evacuation efforts.
The fire protection company, Fire Systems, based in North Dartmouth, is also mentioned in the lawsuit. Officials from Morgan & Morgan allege that the fire panel, fire pump, and sprinkler system were not properly installed or maintained, leading to their failure during the emergency.
“Gabriel House turned into a death trap. Our lawsuit alleges the owner and the fire safety company he contracted with knew it, and yet they failed to act in time to save the facility’s vulnerable residents from death and permanent injuries,” stated John Morgan, founder of the firm. Attorney Luke Mitcheson emphasized that the elderly and disabled should receive the utmost care, but claimed that their safety was disregarded in this instance for profit motives.
The plaintiffs—Patricia Martin, Terry Young, and Donna Murphey—are seeking compensation for various forms of suffering, including physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses.
Recently, another resident also initiated legal action against Gabriel House, citing negligence. Morgan & Morgan is reportedly in discussions with the families of two individuals who lost their lives in the fire, exploring possible legal avenues for those affected.
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about fire safety and the responsibilities of care facilities to protect their residents.
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