News Summary
The family of an 82-year-old woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority after her passing from heat stress linked to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. Helen Elliott died during a severe heat wave, with rising apartment temperatures emphasized in the lawsuit. The action seeks damages and highlights ongoing concerns over heat-related deaths in the region, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly.
Las Vegas Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Air Conditioner Failure During Heat Wave
The family of an 82-year-old woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority after her death from heat stress is linked to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit during a severe heat wave. Helen Elliott passed away on July 15, 2024, at the Lubertha Johnson Estates affordable housing complex, with a coroner’s report indicating that her apartment temperature soared to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court, alleges negligence on the part of the housing authority. According to the Clark County coroner, the primary cause of death was identified as hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition that can be worsened by extreme heat conditions. On the day Elliott died, the National Weather Service recorded a high of 95 degrees. These conditions placed undue strain on Elliott’s heart, consistent with expert analysis that indicates that extreme heat exacerbates cardiovascular problems, particularly among the elderly.
Prior to her death, Elliott’s son reported that she had expressed concerns about the air conditioner in her apartment just two days before her passing. He mentioned that she had made several attempts to reach the complex’s emergency maintenance line, yet received no response. This lack of timely maintenance is a central issue in the lawsuit.
The legal action seeks unspecified damages and also accuses unnamed employees, property managers, and corporations involved in the air conditioner’s design and testing. This tragic incident is part of a troubling pattern as Elliott’s death marks one of at least 527 heat-related fatalities in Southern Nevada over the past year. Moreover, in the early months of 2025, authorities have already recorded three additional heat-related deaths, emphasizing the ongoing dangers posed by extreme temperatures.
Climate Conditions in Las Vegas
The rising temperatures in Las Vegas have raised alarms regarding public health, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, who may already have pre-existing health conditions. Recent observations by the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that approximately 25% of all heat-related deaths can be attributed to the interaction between extreme heat and existing heart problems. This correlation reinforces the importance of adequate housing conditions, particularly in areas where extreme heat is prevalent.
The lawsuit against the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority follows another case linked to environmental heat stress involving a Las Vegas hospital. The cumulative effect of these cases highlights the growing concern over heat-related risks in the community, intensified by climate change.
Vulnerable Populations and Legal Accountability
Factors such as old age, drug use, and homelessness significantly increase susceptibility to heat-related conditions, making it essential for housing authorities to ensure safe living environments for residents, particularly during peak summer. Elliott’s family and their legal representation, which includes attorney Tyler Bixby, have refrained from providing detailed public commentary, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority has not yet returned requests for comments on the case as of Thursday. As the situation develops, it underscores the urgent need for preventive measures and accountability for housing providers in safeguarding the well-being of their residents during extreme weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- MSN
- Spokesman
- News 3 LV
- Newsweek
- Google Search: heat death Las Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: heat waves
- Google Scholar: extreme heat and cardiovascular disease
- Google News: Las Vegas heat wave
