Crowder
The plaintiff in a suit over a fire that allegedly destroyed his home in Madison has settled.
Leroy Latham was schedule to go to trial today in a case against defendant Yvett Osuegbu. Details of the settlement are not yet available. The settlement was announced April 8.
Another defendant in the suit, Adaeza Demolition, was dismissed without prejudice in February.
Latham had been seeking damages of at least $115,000, plus costs.
According to his complaint, his home in Madison caught fire in March 2006 after a blaze that began in the home next door spread. Osuegbu owned that home and was allegedly rehabbing it.
Latham alleged that Osuegbu negligently had flammable materials in the home, had installed bad electrical elements and that she did not maintain or have fire alarms turned on.
He alleged that his home was completely destroyed along with
its contents.
Although the case is assigned to Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder, Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth was set to preside due to Crowder's schedule.
Osuegbu denies she is responsible for the damages.
Latham is represented by Scott Bjorseth of Alton.
Osuegbu is represented by Joseph Bleyer of Marion.
The case is Madison case number 08-L-663.