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On the night of December 31, 2025, to January 1, 2026, the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana was devastated by a catastrophic fire. 41 people lost their lives the majority of them young and more than 115 were seriously injured, including many French nationals. Initial investigations revealed serious failures: construction materials that did not comply with fire safety standards, the absence of inspections for five consecutive years, and repeated negligence in the management of the establishment.
If you lost a loved one in this tragedy, or if you were injured, know that you are not alone and that you have rights.
You Can Seek Compensation from France
Because this fire resulted from serious negligence amounting to criminal offences including involuntary manslaughter and unintentional injury French victims may take legal action in France to obtain compensation, without having to navigate the complexities of the Swiss legal system alone.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a preliminary investigation to support French families in the proceedings initiated in Switzerland. This is an important step forward. However, to ensure that your rights are fully protected, you must be represented by a lawyer who is familiar with both French law and the specificities of Swiss law.
What Types of Damage Are Compensable?
For directly injured victims:
Functional impairment; physical and psychological suffering endured; aesthetic damage (visible after-effects, scars); past and future loss of income due to inability to work; professional impact; medical expenses; housing and vehicle adaptation costs; loss of educational or training opportunities; need for third-party assistance; loss of enjoyment of life (inability to engage in certain activities); sexual harm or loss of establishment rights, where applicable.
For bereaved families:
Loss of affection (i.e., the emotional suffering caused by the loss of a loved one); economic losses resulting from the death (loss of household income, funeral expenses); and, in certain situations, loss of companionship and inheritance-related losses.
Each situation is unique. A personalized and expert assessment is essential to identify all the heads of damage you may be entitled to claim.
Why this case is particularly complex, and why our expertise makes a difference ?
We are a law firm acting predominantly in private international law in cases involving accidents abroad, working alongside local counsel. We intervene precisely in matters where several legal systems intersect, as is the case here.
As a French victim of an accident that occurred in Switzerland, you are at the crossroads of two different legal systems. Swiss law governs the criminal investigation conducted by the Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office, while French law offers parallel avenues of action that you can initiate from home. Determining which law applies to your compensation claim, before which court to bring proceedings, and how to coordinate the two procedures to maximize your chances of obtaining compensation this is precisely what we do.
In addition, French families face practical obstacles when acting alone: geographical distance, language barriers in dealings with the Valais authorities, limited access to the investigation file, procedural deadlines running without your knowledge, and concerns already raised regarding the independence of the local prosecutor’s office. Without specialized assistance, essential rights may be lost sometimes permanently.
Do not let time decide for you
Strict legal time limits govern legal actions in this type of case. Important decisions are being made every week in Switzerland.
Our firm offers a free initial consultation to review your situation, clearly explain your options, and guide you step by step toward the compensation you are entitled to receive.