An early morning house fire in a rented home in Windham, ME claimed the life of the woman who lived there. The fire, which was reported around 4 a.m. November 18, had engulfed the single-story home on Pettingill Road, just off of Route 302 by the time fire crews arrived on the scene.
The name of the woman who died has not been released. Neighbors told the Portland Press Herald that she had lived in the home with her dog for about five years.
She is survived by her three children and grandchildren. Two of her sons arrived while firefighters were still battling the blaze. “They were devastated,” the neighbors said. The source of the fire has not yet been identified. The investigation is ongoing.
When someone dies due to the negligence of another, a “wrongful death claim” can be filed by family members who are considered “next of kin.” The goal of a wrongful death suit is to get justice for families and to make sure they do not needlessly suffer financially. A wrongful death lawsuit is not a criminal prosecution, only state or federal prosecutors can bring criminal charges. The reason for a wrongful death claim is to compensate the heirs of the deceased.
Sources:
https://www.pressherald.com/2016/11/18/firefighters-battling-blaze-in-windham/
https://wgme.com/news/local/early-morning-house-fire-in-windham