BEBT attorney wins motion for summary judgment in fire damage case

BEBT attorney Brandon Shannon prevailed on a dispositive motion in an action arising from a residential fire loss. The plaintiff alleged that roofing work performed by BEBT’s client caused a fire that resulted in $1.9 million in property damage. The Montana District Court granted summary judgment in favor of BEBT’s clients, dismissing all claims, reasoning that plaintiff failed to present non-speculative evidence establishing breach or causation, emphasizing that conjecture—even when framed through expert opinions—cannot create a genuine issue of material fact. The court further found that the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur did not apply to a fire of unknown origin where other potential causes were not sufficiently eliminated.