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Seattle Firefighter Earns $1.8 Million After Injury

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A firefighter watches as ladder trucks battle a warehouse fire in Seattle.

SEATTLE, WA – The city of Seattle has paid $1.8 million to a firefighter injured during a training exercise, ending its fight against a court award in the firefighter’s favor.

Kevin Locke, now an emergency dispatcher, was badly hurt when he passed out and fell from a ladder in the training accident in 2000.

His attorneys argued that those running the training were negligent for failing to provide adequate breaks in warm weather, leading to heat stress that caused Locke’s accident.

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Jurors awarded Locke $1.8 million.

The city fought the judgment. It argued that Locke should not be allowed to sue, since he already received workers’ compensation.

And although the state Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System act provides a “right to sue” provision, city lawyers argued it violated the state constitution, which grants sovereign immunity to cities.

However, the state Supreme Court ruled against the city in December, so the payment was made recently by the city and its insurer.

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Marg2355

about 11 hours ago

1 comment

You need to let others know when you are feeling weak and in need of a break. As my instructors told me in the Academy "we don't have a thermometer to stick up your ass to know how hot you are, you need to take charge of yourself and let us know."
moosecfd368

1 day ago

27 comments

Its all about some members trying to be too MACHO! Everyone seems to think "Image" is more important than "Safety", we need to crack down on this and stop it. Know Your Limits!! Use the rehab and EMS resources set up for you, get your vitals taken FREQUENTLY and stay on top of things, stay hydrated, take off your bunkers and cool down in between bottles for a few minutes...and most importantly, USE COMMON SENSE!! Stay Safe
angelalee

5 days ago

33 comments

I think that he should have known he was hot and told the trainer that he needed to break. I mean it concerns me that he would not do it in training, then what would he do in a REAL FIRE. As firefighters we sould know our limits.......
Michael_Diggs

5 days ago

5 comments

he should have stopped and took a break, dont rely on others to that for you. but true they should have done a better job of taking care of their men.
DwayneWiss

6 days ago

16 comments

Well I don't know much about the story in Seattle but I can say 1 thing I know my limits and some of the others limits too. I think we need to be more aware of our limits and be able to do what we do best.