Former Gabriel House residents file joint lawsuit against facility

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Two former Gabriel House residents have filed a lawsuit against the Fall River facility alleging “gross negligence” by owners Dennis and Karen Etzkorn and Fire Systems, Inc in the wake of the deadly July 13 fire.

Michael J. Pimental, 73, and James Dixon, 58, filed the suit on August 15 in Bristol County Superior Court also alleging violations of statutory and regulatory duties which they say contributed to injuries, pain and suffering and their displacement.

Pimental is described as a double amputee needing a motorized wheelchair and Dixon is described as suffering from multiple sclerosis.

They had been living at Gabriel House for eight years and two months, respectively.

The suit also states that Gabriel House was not adequately staffed at the time of the fire, and that non-smoking rules were not enforced.

It also claims that “emergency response procedures were non-existent or inadequate.”

Pimental was trapped inside his room during the fire and the second floor on which he resided was filled with smoke.

An air conditioning unit blocked rescue personnel from a possible window rescue, according to the document.

First responders were forced to remove portions of wood from around his bathroom window to gain access to the unit.

Pimental also said that in the process of his rescue his prosthetic leg fell off.

Dixon also had to be carried out of his room and out of the facility by first responders.

The suit also alleges that fire suppression/sprinkler system did not work, and emergency lighting was not activated.

Both plaintiffs are represented by Sabra Law Offices of Somerset.

There have been at least five other lawsuits filed as a result of the deadly fire that killed ten residents.

ABC6 has reached out for comment from Gabriel House and Fire Systems, Inc. for comment on this lawsuit.