Fire claims man's life, family sues

An Uvalde County family, acting as wrongful death beneficiaries for Leonardo Hernandez Flores, is suing the companies they claim are responsible for letting a fire get out of hand and consume the life of their benefactor.

Evalgelina Flores and her children filed their original petition and a request for disclosure with the Jefferson County District Court on May 14. Judge Bob Wortham, 58th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

The Flores family has named John L. Ahern, Hill Country Affordable Homes, Acorn Land Corporation, Maverick Loft, Deep Woods Holding Co., and Bo-Mack Contractors as defendants.

According to the plaintiffs' petition, on April 7, 2006, Leonardo was working for Bo-Mack Contractors. "Defendants were burning materials on High-Heaven Ranch."

The suit goes on to say the defendants were negligently failing to supervise the burning and, as a result, the fire spread and "proximately caused the death of Leonardo."

The suit also alleges that Bo-Mack Contractors was negligent for failing to provide a safe work environment and for failing to provide him with proper equipment.

The family is suing for physical pain and mental pain in the past, medical and funeral expenses, emotional distress, loss of companionship and society, mental anguish, loss of ability to enjoy life, loss of services and loss of earnings.

"All wrongful death and survival plaintiffs also sue for all damages available to them under the wrongful death statute, the survival statute and the common law," the suit said.

The family is represented by Gerald E. Bourque, Attorney at Law.

Case No. A179-299