The Legal Herald
Lilian Esperanza Castro Tragically Loses Life in Aurora, CO Apartment Fire. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Could the death from this apartment fire have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
An apartment fire in Aurora, CO late Thursday night, October 29, 2020, tragically claimed the life of one person.
As reported by NYpost.com, “Lilian Esperanza Castro died in the blaze at her apartment complex on N. Galena Street in northwest Aurora around 11:45 p.m. Oct. 29.”
According to the report, “[h]er husband, Jose Omar Benegas, told the station his family was asleep when his nephew, who was coming home from work, called and said that the apartment they all shared was on fire.”
9News.com is reporting, “Benegas said he grabbed his 2-year-old daughter and tried to run down the hall, but it was already engulfed in flames. So, he said he ran toward the window and threw his baby girl from the third floor. He said he jumped down next and his wife stayed behind to throw their 14-year-old and 8-year-old sons down to him. Castro wasn’t able to escape herself.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is believed to have been arson.
Our Legal Take
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As the state fire marshal continues its investigation, premises liability attorneys with The Murray Law Firm question whether a lack of fire safety measures at the complex may have contributed to this incident.
- What fire safety measures, such as working smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and emergency exits, were in place and working at the time of the fire?
- When was the last fire inspection performed on the property?
- Were any safety measures added after any previous inspections?
- Was the property owner aware of any inadequate fire safety measures present prior to the fire?
As details of this fire continue to emerge, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the apartment complex failed to undertake proper safety measures to protect those residents and guests legally on the premises. Under certain State law, the owner and management company of an apartment complex have a duty to protect residents and to keep the premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a consequence. Should the apartment complex be found at fault, the family of Lilian Esperanza Castro may elect to hold the owner and management company civilly liable for their loss and suffering.
As insurance companies and unscrupulous property owners are often concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that the family of Lilian Esperanza Castro retain an experienced premises liability firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as a faulty fire alarm or a poor evacuation plan, is preserved and the family’s best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in premises liability and apartment negligence cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.
If anyone has information to share, or if anyone is seeking information regarding this incident, please contact us at 888.842.1616.
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