Attorneys Launch Investigation into Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility Fire
The recent Gabriel House fire in Fall River is a devastating reminder of how vulnerable residents can be, even more so if an assisted living facility falls short on safety. While the official cause of this particular fire is still under investigation, The Herald News reports that residents have had long-standing concerns about staffing, lack of fire drills, elevator issues, and insufficient monitoring of potentially flammable personal items. These allegations raise urgent questions about oversight and accountability, and remind us why legal guidance matters.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we hold nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for failing to provide adequate care. We fight for families across Massachusetts with a focus on personalized service, Real Advocacy, and Real Results. We’re here to help you get answers and Real Justice when the unthinkable happens.
If your loved one was in the Gabriel House fire or suffered something similar at another assistive living facility, we want to hear your story. We’re trial lawyers with decades of experience handling these cases, and we never lose sight of the people at the center of them. Call our Massachusetts assisted living fire attorneys today at 617-420-1111 or contact us online to set up an appointment for a FREE case evaluation.
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When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Fall River Nursing Home Fire: What Families Need To Know
The Gabriel House fire in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a very recent tragedy that has left many families searching for answers and accountability. For those who lost their precious loved ones or watched them suffer painful fire injuries, it was also a shocking breach of trust. Know that we see you, and we want to hear your story.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, 9 residents were killed and more than 30 others were injured when a 5-alarm fire broke out at the assisted living facility on the night of July 13, 2025. The precise cause of the Gabriel House fire remains under investigation. However, news coverage from CNN reports that some residents were trapped on upper floors and had to be rescued by ladder. This raises important questions about the facility’s emergency preparedness.
Our nationally recognized Fall River personal injury lawyers at Bernheim Kelley have launched a formal investigation into the incident. With offices in Plymouth and Boston, we are committed to helping you understand your rights, uncover the truth, and pursue the Real Justice you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer After the Gabriel House Assisted Living Fire?
Yes, especially when serious smoke and fire injuries or death are involved. Nursing home fires raise questions of negligence, regulatory violations, safety failures, and often premises liability. A steadfast attorney can help uncover whether the facility violated fire codes, failed to follow evacuation plans, or lacked proper staffing, equipment, or building safety features.
You can’t be expected to handle something like this alone. At Bernheim Kelley, we understand that families are grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. We offer our compassion and support during this time. And should we establish that the facts of this terrible accident demand legal action be taken, we’re ready to help your family take it.
Can I Sue a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility for a Fire Injury?
Under Massachusetts law, nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe environment. If the fire was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, you may be able to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the nursing home.
To succeed in an assisted living or nursing home negligence claim, you must generally prove:
- The facility owed your loved one a duty of care
- That duty was breached through action or inaction
- The breach caused injury or death
- Damages were sustained as a result
A Gabriel House fire lawsuit may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Funeral & burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- And more
Fire-related injury claims may also overlap with premises liability if the building had known hazards, inadequate alarms, or poor maintenance. If any of these factors contributed to your loved one’s harm, we’re prepared to investigate and pursue compensation and accountability.
Is the Gabriel House Assistive Living Facility Liable for Fire Injuries?
Liability depends on what the nursing home did, or didn’t do, to keep residents safe. We’ll look at factors like:
- Whether fire alarms, sprinklers & safety systems were working
- If staff were trained & followed emergency protocols
- Inspection history or prior violations
- Building maintenance & design
If the facility failed in its legal duty to protect residents, it can be held liable for the resulting harm.
Is a Fire Considered Nursing Home Negligence or Premises Liability?
Often, it’s both. Fires in nursing homes frequently expose broader negligence, like understaffing, poor training, or lack of emergency planning. They can also fall under premises liability if the facility had hazardous conditions, failed to install proper fire systems, or ignored building safety standards.
In either case, our dedicated attorneys will work to identify all sources of liability and seek just compensation. We know money can’t fix your pain and heartache, but it can give you the stability to process your loss and move forward with hope.
– you are in good hands!
What Can You Do for Your Loved One Right Now?
Your first priority needs to be your family. Be present, comfort your loved ones, and make sure everyone is safe. But if you’re able, there are a few simple things you can do right now to help protect your rights:
- Jot down anything you’ve noticed, including dates of incidents, concerns, or observations about the facility
- Keep all medical records, written communications, and incident or police reports
- Safely take photos or video of anything that seems relevant
- If your loved one can talk about what happened, record their account in their own words
After that, let us take over. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to support you with compassion, skill, and a ferocity to fight for those who deserve justice. We can help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and take action if and when you’re ready. As always, we won’t ask for a dime unless we win you compensation.
Why Families Trust Bernheim Kelley
Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is known for Real Experience, Real Advocacy, and Real Results. With more than $1 billion recovered for clients nationwide and decades spent in and out of the courtroom, we have the skill, reputation, and resources to take on even the toughest cases.
But more than anything, we’re trusted because we treat our clients like people. We listen. We understand. We fight as if you were our own family. From the first time you call to the final outcome, we’re by your side.
Don’t Wait! Real Justice Starts Now
When a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you need caring, skillful, steadfast representation. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- No Fee Unless We Win: You never pay upfront; we only get paid if we recover compensation.
- Decades of Trial Experience: We prepare every case like it’s going to trial, and insurance companies know it.
- Client-Focused Advocacy: You’re more than a case. We take the time to understand what matters most to you.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: From investigation through litigation, we handle every step so you can focus on your loved one and family.
- Transparent Communication: You’ll always know where things stand.
It is important to act as soon as possible by scheduling your FREE consultation with our Fall River fire attorneys. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally 3 years from the date of injury or death. This includes cases that may fall under premises liability. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek justice and compensation entirely.
Contact Our Gabriel House Fire Attorneys Today for a FREE Consultation
Call our Fall River nursing home fire attorneys at 617-420-1111 or contact us online for your FREE and confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout Massachusetts, bringing unparalleled compassion and representation to every case. Real Justice starts here—take the first step today.