Family of veteran killed in Paintsville, KY hotel fire files lawsuit

The family of a Navy veteran killed in a fire at a hotel in Paintsville, KY has filed a lawsuit against the owner and licensors of the hotel, alleging their negligence contributed to his death.

On November 2, 2024, the deceased was staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Paintsville in Paintsville, KY when a fire broke out in his room. Hotel staff allegedly found him dead in his room the next morning. The attached complaint names Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Days Inn Worldwide, Inc., Paintsville Hospitality LLC and its owner Rajendrakumar Patel as defendants and alleges there were no working smoke alarms in the room, in violation of Kentucky and international building codes. 

A statement follows from Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Dion Moorman:

“Fires like this simply aren’t deadly when buildings are properly outfitted with functional smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers. The lawsuit alleges that our client would still be alive if the smoke alarms had been working as they should have. Our client’s family wants justice for his death, as well as to ensure the owner and licensors of this hotel prioritize the safety of their guests so this never happens to someone else.”