Grandmother Killed in Davie Apartment Fire, Family Says: Legal Options

A tragic apartment fire in Davie claimed the life of a woman Friday morning, leaving family members grieving and raising questions about how the deadly blaze occurred.

According to Davie Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched at 9:53 a.m. to Nova Central Apartments, located at 6857 College Court, after reports of heavy smoke coming from a first-floor unit.

Firefighters discovered the woman deceased inside the apartment. Loved ones at the scene later identified her as a grandmother, though authorities have not yet officially released her identity.

Fire rescue officials reported heavy smoke coming from the unit upon arrival. Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed what appeared to be the victim’s body covered with a yellow tarp outside the building.

Video from inside the apartment captured:

• An open window in the first-floor unit where the fire is believed to have started
• What appeared to be a burnt mattress inside the residence

Investigators have not yet announced the cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Family members were visibly distraught at the scene. One man who identified himself as a relative told reporters the victim was his grandmother. Another individual who knew the woman said he had requested a welfare check weeks earlier after noticing her Amazon packages going uncollected.

Fatal residential fires frequently prompt investigations into whether preventable safety failures played a role. Key issues investigators typically examine include:

• Whether smoke detectors were installed and functioning
• The condition of electrical wiring or appliances
• Whether the building complied with fire codes
• Proper maintenance by the property owner or management company
• Adequate fire exits and escape routes

In apartment complexes, landlords and property managers have a legal duty to maintain safe living conditions for residents.

When an Apartment Fire May Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim

If a fire is caused or worsened by negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Apartment owners or management companies
• Maintenance contractors
• Electrical companies or appliance manufacturers
• Other tenants, depending on the cause

Wrongful death claims may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, care, and support
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

These cases often hinge on early evidence preservation, including fire reports, code inspection records, and expert analysis.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Fires

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal residential fires throughout South Florida, including Davie and Broward County.

Unlike high-volume firms, we intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to their attorney—not case managers.

Our team immediately works to:

• Conduct an independent fire investigation
• Review fire code compliance and inspection records
• Identify negligent property owners or third parties
• Coordinate with fire and safety experts
• Handle all communications with insurers

Families pay nothing upfront—we only recover fees if we secure compensation.

If your loved one was killed in an apartment fire in Davie, you may have legal options during this incredibly difficult time. Understanding your rights can help protect your family and hold negligent parties accountable.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.