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by The Stoddard Firm - October 13th, 2025
In a tragic case, an elderly and beloved grandmother lost her life after a fire started in her apartment while she was sleeping. The Stoddard Firm initially believed that a recently installed heating unit had caused the fire, and prepared for litigation against the manufacturer of that unit. However, extensive on-scene investigation showed that the fire’s origin was more likely in the middle of the living room and was caused either by a lit cigarette or electrical arcing from an extension cord. Most firms would have stopped there and declined the case — not The Stoddard Firm.
After hiring a fire investigator, conducting a site inspection, filing a lawsuit, and exchanging discovery documents, The Stoddard Firm learned that the apartment complex had violated numerous building codes, fire codes, and property maintenance codes. The firm then argued that, had these codes been followed, the deceased grandmother more likely than not would have been able to escape the fire and would still be alive.
The Stoddard Firm also interviewed many of the apartment’s neighbors — including several who had since moved out. These witnesses confirmed that the fire alarm never went off in the building, and that batteries in many units had long since died, rendering the alarms nonfunctional. To make matters worse, the fire alarms themselves were long past their ten-year expiration date and had not been properly maintained.
As with many cases The Stoddard Firm handles, this tragedy stemmed from an apartment complex ignoring safety codes and regulations — negligence that ultimately cost someone their life. Although the apartment complex and its insurance company initially disputed the applicability and admissibility of those codes, after litigation began, the insurance carrier chose to pay the plaintiffs a confidential settlement amount to resolve the case.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
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This firm is the best in Atlanta, simple as that.
Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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