A fatal apartment fire in Brooklyn that claimed the life of a 68-year old grandmother was likely caused by improper repairs to a faulty electrical outlet according to a statement from the New York City Fire Department. It took more than 100 fire fighters to subdue the blaze at 232 Metropolitan Ave. when fire broke out around 10:30 PM on the evening of March 29th. Residents report that smoke quickly filled the entire building, making escape nearly impossible.
Patricia Serrano and her 22-year old grandson were fleeing the smoke on the fourth floor fire escape when Mrs. Serrano collapsed. Mrs. Serrano apparently had a seizure on the fire escape. She lapsed into unconsciousness. Rescue crews were unable to revive her.
An investigation into the cause of the apartment fire in Brooklyn revealed that earlier that day an unnamed individual had been attempting to rewire a faulty electrical outlet inside the building. The FDNY was called in a day prior to the fire because the outlet in question had been sparking and smoking. The building’s supervisor was notified of the danger, given notice that the problem needed to be addressed, and the power was shut off.
Less than 24 hours later, it is assumed the outlet likely sparked the fatal apartment fire in Brooklyn that left one woman dead and six other individuals injured.
If the FDNY investigation into the fire’s origins does determine the faulty outlet was the cause of the fire, all the individuals affected by the fire could sue the building’s owner and the company who performed the faulty repair for financial compensation for their injuries, unpaid medical expenses and lost time from work. The FDNY records would be extremely helpful in establishing negligence in this case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire caused by someone’s negligence, contact an expert New York City apartment fire attorney. Call the experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.