DC Facing $12 Million Wrongful Death Suit over Delayed Ambulance

Posted by: Curt Varone July 3, 2013 0

The relatives of a man who died while waiting for an ambulance on January 1, 2013, have filed a $12 million wrongful death lawsuit against DC Fire & EMS.

Durand Ford Sr. died after waiting 30-40 minutes for an ambulance to come from Prince George’s County, Maryland because all the DC units were tied up.  Approximately 90 firefighters called in sick for the night shift on New Years Eve, leaving the city dangerously understaffed. The union denies there was a concerted job action.

The suit was filed yesterday in Superior Court for the District of Columbia.

More on the story.

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About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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