A devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, has led to a lawsuit by survivor Steven Oldrid. According to NBC Boston, Oldrid is alleging that the property was not properly maintained and lacked necessary emergency response procedures. He filed the lawsuit in Bristol Superior Court on Monday, amidst growing concerns about safety standards at similar facilities across the state.
In the suit, Oldrid claims he was trapped in his room, resulting in smoke inhalation and a loss of consciousness. The complaint paints a grim picture of the facility, citing poor management, staffing, maintenance, and supervision. Additionally, it is claimed that residency rules were not enforced. Ten residents perished in the fire that investigators believe started accidentally in a second-floor room. The exact cause, however, has yet to be determined. The fire has triggered a review of all 273 assisted living facilities in the state, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident.
Boston 25 News reports that Oldrid, who described himself as being in a compromised physical condition at the time of the fire, has experienced serious injury and disruption to his daily life due to the event. In the lawsuit, Oldrid's demands include a trial by jury and compensation for hospital and medical bills incurred from injuries sustained during the blaze.
The lawsuit has put the spotlight on Gabriel Care Inc., the company that owns Gabriel House, and raised broader issues regarding the preparedness and regulatory compliance of assisted living facilities. State officials have indicated that facilities facing past safety and sanitary issues are required to issue correction plans to maintain their certifications.
