Many Texans may enjoy an outdoor fire on a cool winter evening. While the state doesn’t usually have many days with frigid temperatures, the cooler night air can still prevent people from enjoying time outdoors. When lighting outdoor fires, one must use caution and follow basic safety guidelines. Sadly, a teenager lost her life due to a recent fire-related accident and an arrest was made because police believe another person caused the accident.
How the fire happened
The accident occurred on a Saturday night in mid-December of last year. Some teens and young adults were hanging out in the backyard of a home located in West Pine. They had a fire burning in a metal barrel. A 23-year-old man poured gasoline on the fire to make the flames bigger, causing the fire to spread.
The flames reached a 17-year-old girl who was standing near the barrel, lighting her hair and clothes on fire. Instead of calling for help, someone drove the victim to a nearby hospital. Sadly, her injuries were too severe, and she passed away. The man who threw the gasoline is now facing criminal charges related to the accident.
Wrongful death
When someone dies due to the negligent actions of another, the family of the victim has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one, the funds can be used to pay for funeral costs, medical bills, and other expenses. Any Texas family who has lost a loved in in an accident where negligence was involved can benefit from consulting an attorney to understand their options.