Mill Rift Inn Wrongful Death Case Moves Forward
We at the Foley Law Firm are strong advocates for our clients, never giving up even when a legal proceeding takes years to come to a resolution. This commitment to clients is crucial when it comes to wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits.
It's with this in mind that we want to consider a notable wrongful death lawsuit that's moving forward.
The Fatal Fire at the Mill Rift Inn
The tragic incident in this wrongful death case took place nearly 8 years ago in December 2007 at the historic Mill Rift Inn, a popular landmark in the Poconos located near Matamoras, Pike County. Countless people stopping through the area were drawn to the Mill Rift Inn, which in the past served as a bar, boarding house, and local place of interest. At the time of the fire, the Mill Rift Inn was open six days a week and featured live jazz on the premises.
The Circumstances of the Case
When the Mill Rift Inn burned down, the blaze claimed the life of Amanda Tooley. Tooley was a 19-year-old nursing student at the Titusville campus of the University of Pittsburgh. She had been living in one of the two upstairs apartments at the Mill Rift Inn since May of that year with her cousin. The other apartment was occupied by Kevin Llewellyn.
The Pocono Record reported that the owner of the Mill Rift Inn, Delaware Highlands Properties, had not been properly maintaining smoke detectors on the property. Llewellyn testified that he was asleep during the fire and heard no fire alarms going off as the smoke traveled upstairs. In fact, Llewellyn was notified of the fire by a phone call from a friend was one of the firefighters responding to the blaze.
In addition to the lack of proper smoke detectors, it was also learned that Tooley would have been unable to use the stairwell exit on the second floor to reach the ground floor. It appears that the stairwell exit was locked at the time.
Seeking Justice for Amanda Tooley and Her Family
Given the circumstances of this tragic fire, Amanda Tooley's family has sought justice against the owners of the Mill Rift Inn. Amanda's mother Rhonda is serving as the administrator of Amanda's estate and the plaintiff in the case, and she is being represented by Michael J. Foley of the Foley Law Firm.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As the situation continues to evolve and move forward, it's expected that the case will proceed to a trial/jury trial or a settlement phase.
Why Working with Wrongful Death Attorneys Is So Important
As you've likely noticed, the justice system can take time to move forward, even with an act of negligence as egregious as this. Having a skilled wrongful death attorney on your side means that you will have strong guidance and professional support through all phases of the legal process. We will fight diligently and never give up, giving you and your loved ones the space to grieve, recover, and try to move forward.
Contact the Legal Team at the Foley Law Firm
For more information about your legal options following the loss of a loved one, it's important that you contact our personal injury law firm today. At the Foley Law Firm, we will assist you with your case with compassion and professionalism. These are important considerations given how trying these matters can be.
