Sister of man who died in Rusty Pelican Motel fire in Grand Isle sues

GRETNA – A St. Mary Parish woman is suing the owner of a local apartment building and a public safety agency after her brother died in a fire.

Tammy Foret filed suit against Steven Caruso, Willow Creek LLC, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of the State Fire Marshall, Nunzio Marchiafava and Western Heritage Insurance in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 26, 2012 Tammy’s brother Timothy Joseph Foret, 46, was living at 2727 LA Hwy. 1 in Grand Isle. The plaintiff alleges her brother was trapped in his apartment after a fire started in or around the building and that he died from smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

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 on fire, failing to maintain the apartment to specifications to allow safe entry and exit during fires, failing to warn of fire-prone condition of the building, failing to see what should have been seen and failing to provide the safety of their legal occupants.

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

Tammy Foret is represented by Brad Doyle of the Houma-based Doyle law Firm LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.

Case no. 731-214.