State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company filed suit against a Belleville drywall company in St. Clair County Circuit Court seeking damages in excess of $122,883.42.
According to the complaint, Dallas Drywall left an electric water heater in a plastic bucket while performing work at the Owl Creek Development in Swansea. Because water evaporated and the heater was left unattended, a fire started and destroyed a home under construction and damaged four adjacent properties.
State Farm alleges that Dallas negligently used the heater in a plastic container contrary to manufacturer’s instructions, and failed to have the round base under water when in use.
“Pursuant to the policy of the insured, State Farm paid Hayden Construction $122,883.42 to repair the damage caused by the fire,” the complaint states.
State Farm is represented by Ray Rittenhouse of Wheaton.
05 L 459 (20th Circuit)
State Farm sues drywaller for negligence in fire
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