Stutman Law’s client insured an office building in Miami, Florida that was devastated by a fire in 2023. Early examination of the scene indicated that the fire originated from an LED light fixture attached to an office workstation, but the specific cause of the failure remained unclear. Stutman Law’s experts evaluated several potential failure modes, including improper installation and product defects.
As the investigation progressed, Stutman Law conducted extensive research on the failed fixture. That research revealed prior litigation against the product manufacturer involving widespread failures of the same model due to a defect in the power cords. The cords were supplied by a separate entity, and the earlier litigation included claims between the fixture manufacturer and the power cord manufacturer. That matter ultimately resolved with an admission that the power cords were defective.
Stutman Law used this information to support a subrogation claim against the manufacturer of the light fixture, arguing that the fire was caused by a product defect. The firm secured a six-figure settlement, recovering nearly all of the client’s damages in the early stages of litigation and with minimal expense.