RDCY Partner Matthew Christ Featured in The Washington Post on Landmark Maryland Fire Safety Advocacy Case

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa (RDCY) announces that partner, Matthew Christ was featured in The Washington Post for his role in a high-profile case stemming from a tragic high-rise fire in Silver Spring, Maryland, that claimed the life of 25-year-old Melanie Diaz.

The article, “After daughter’s death, one family keeps fighting for fire safety in Maryland,” by Washington Post reporter Clarence Williams, details how the Diaz family transformed unimaginable loss into sustained advocacy that has led to meaningful fire safety reforms across Montgomery County and the State of Maryland.

Matthew Christ represented the Diaz family in litigation against the apartment complex where the February 2023 fire occurred. In a powerful testament to their commitment to public safety, after the resolution of the litigation the Diaz family channeled their resources into life-saving fire safety initiatives that honor their daughter’s memory and protect others from similar harm.

“This case was never just about litigation,” said Matthew Christ, partner at RDCY. “It was about honoring Melanie’s life and supporting a family determined to ensure that no one else experiences this kind of loss. Their advocacy has already made Maryland safer, and that impact will endure and extend across the country.”

According to The Washington Post, the fire exposed critical safety failures, including the absence of sprinklers and malfunctioning alarms in the high-rise building. Since Melanie’s death, her family has worked closely with lawmakers and fire officials, helping drive the passage of multiple fire safety measures — including the Melanie Diaz Fire Safety Act — and recently donating more than $10,000 to equip Montgomery County firefighters with smoke escape hoods used during rescues.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley credited the family’s efforts with directly improving firefighter and resident safety, noting that their advocacy “turned heartbreak into action.”

This coverage underscores RDCY’s commitment to representing families in complex, high-stakes matters where public safety, accountability, and meaningful change are at the forefront.

About Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa

Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa is a leading Florida law firm dedicated to advocating for victims of mass torts, medical malpractice and corporate negligence. With a track record of holding powerful institutions accountable, the firm fights for justice on behalf of individuals and families affected by preventable harm.

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SOURCE Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa