Grand Isle motel sued over fire that resulted in resident’s death

GRETNA – The children of a woman who died in a Grand Isle motel fire is suing the  building's owners.

Claire Delaine Cochran, Lara Faye Kaplan and Jarrett Lindsey Kaplan filed suit against Steven Caruso, Willow Creek LLC, Lloyds of London, State of Louisiana and Nunzio Marchiafava in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 15.

The plaintiffs claim that on Sept. 26, 2012, their 60-year-old mother Belle Christin Brandl was living in the Willow Creek Apartments located at 2721 Hwy. 1 in Grand Isle when a fire broke out in the apartment complex and she was unable to escape and died. The Willow Creek Apartments are also known as the Rusty Pelican Motel and owned by Caruso.

The defendant is accused of failing to maintain the premises in a safe and secure manner, failing to clean out trash and debris that caught fire, failing to maintain the apartments to such specifications and provide safety equipment and safe escape from fires, failing to warn occupants of the dangerous fire-prone conditions and failing to provide for safety of occupants.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for wrongful death, survivorship action, loss of love and affection, loss of consortium and loss of service and society.

The plaintiffs are represented by Christopher A. Edwards of the Lafayette-based Edwards Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 728-882.