Connecticut Supreme Court Upholds Bridgeport's Liability in Fire That Killed Family

The city of Bridgeport and its fire department cannot escape trial over their alleged liability in a fire that killed a woman and her three children by failing to inspect their apartment's smoke detectors, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Monday.

In a 4-2 decision, the state's high court agreed with the Connecticut Appellate Court that a jury could reasonably find the Bridgeport Fire Department's conduct demonstrated “a reckless disregard for health or safety under all the relevant circumstances.”

The Appellate Court ruling reversed a Superior Court's summary judgment order for the defendants, which found the city and fire department were immune from liability under Connecticut's General Statute 52-557n. The case will be remanded back to Bridgeport Superior Court for trial next year.