Buffalo Moves to Dismiss Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Firefighter Jason Arno Case

The City of Buffalo is seeking to put an end to the wrongful death lawsuit filed after the tragic death of firefighter Jason Arno who lost his life battling a fire in the city’s Theater District in March 2023.

City attorneys recently filed both a motion to dismiss and a motion for summary judgment aiming to have the case resolved without moving to trial. A summary judgment would allow the court to rule on key issues based on established facts and law without a jury weighing disputed evidence.

The motions highlight the sharp legal battle that has emerged following the fire, which investigators later determined was accidental.

Arno’s widow, Sarah Tierney, initiated the lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the city and the Buffalo Fire Department in her husband’s death. The complaint also names JP Contracting of Western New York and 743 Main Street LLC as defendants.

The dispute is scheduled to return to court next week where a judge will consider the city’s motion.

Buffalo Moves to Dismiss Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Firefighter Jason Arno Case