Phoenix Pays $605K to Family of Man who Died after Firefighters Dropped Him
The City of Phoenix is paying $605,000 to the family of a man who died after firefighters dropped him while they were carrying him from his house.
Firefighters who responded to Ronald Shuck's house in 2024 determined he needed to be transported as he was having difficulty standing. Instead of placing him on a cot, they rolled him out in an office chair.
When they dropped the chair, Shuck fell backward, striking his head and back on the stairs and concrete below, 12 News reported.
He suffered a fractured neck and back.
The lawsuit alleged that firefighters' negligence caused his death. It also claimed firefighters "recklessly created an unsafe condition" and failed to take reasonable measures to ensure Shuck's care and needs were met in a timely and safe manner.
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Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.