Homeowner accuses plumber of starting fire in her bathroom

A St. Clair County woman accuses a plumber of starting a fire while attempting to solder a wall cavity in the bathroom.

Patricia Osborne-Finucane of Belleville filed a lawsuit against Edward Metzger, individually and doing business as Assured Plumbing of Belleville, on March 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff had hired the defendant to perform plumbing repairs at her home, located at 2202 W A Street in Belleville. The complaint states that on March 22, 2010, Edward Metzger was in the process of soldering a wall cavity inside the first floor bathroom when a fire ignited.

Osborne-Finucane asserts that she provided the court documentation regarding the amount outstanding for repairs, expenses incurred due to the fire and personal property destruction. She argues that the total amount in question is the financial responsibility of the company and its owner.

The plaintiff alleges that Metzger owes her the sum of $198,210.00 plus court costs.

Osborne-Finucane is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

She filed the case pro se.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number  15-L-160