State Farm alleges water main burst caused damage to client's business

State Farm is suing a Madison County plumbing company and an Edwardsville landlord after a water main burst, causing damage to a client's business.

State Farm Fire & Casualty Company, on behalf of Prestige Management, filed a lawsuit on April 23 in Madison County Circuit Court against DNP Plumbing Services Inc., doing business as a Rooter-Man Plumbing of Staunton and Plummer General, alleging negligence.

The plaintiff represents Prestige Management, having issued the business a property insurance policy prior to the incident for coverage of its facilities at 103 W. Vandalia St. in Edwardsville.

According to the complaint, on Oct. 15, 2013, a water main in Prestige Management's upper floors burst, causing damage to its office. The suit says it was Rooter-Man Plumbing’s duty to perform repairs and installation, and the duty of Plummer General, the landlord of the property, to ensure alterations on the property and maintain its systems.

Prestige Management sustained loss of business personal property, computer equipment and an interruption of business, the suit states.

State Farm seeks damages of $146,222, plus attorney fees and costs. The firm is represented by attorney Harry Ray Chiles Jr. of Chiles & Associates in Wheaton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-503