Local News in Brief : Suit Over Bank Fire Death
The parents of a custodian killed in the First Interstate Bank fire have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the bank, the owners of the building and subcontractors, alleging negligence.
The suit, filed Wednesday on behalf of Hassib and Frida Handy of North Hollywood, contends that negligence contributed to Alexander Handy’s death in the May 4 blaze in downtown Los Angeles.
Named as defendants are First Interstate Bank of California, Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, which owns the building, and Amelco Construction Inc., which was installing sprinklers in the building. Also named as a defendant was Pedus Security Services Inc., in charge of notifying authorities of fires in the building.
The suit, filed by attorney Charles Alpert, seeks general damages, funeral expenses and other compensation. The lawsuit is similar to a wrongful-death action filed June 30 on behalf of Handy’s widow and daughter.
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