State Farm Fire & Casualty claims a Godfrey business owner failed to extinguish a lit candle which led to a fire that damaged an adjoining business it insured.
According to a suit filed Jan. 19 in Madison County Circuit Court, Unique Boutique owner Jerika Bateman left unattended a lit candle burning on a display table which caused combustion of surrounding materials. A resulting fire spread next door to Buck's Decorating, the complaint states.
The fire happened Dec. 17, 2007 at 5411 Godfrey Rd. in Godfrey.
State Farm is making a subrogation claim against Bateman on behalf of its insured Patrick Parker, owner of Buck's Decorating.
State Farm claims it incurred damages in excess of $100,000.
It is represented by Philip T. Carroll of Cozen O'Connor in Chicago.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 10-L-44.
Insurer seeks to recover claim paid in Buck's Decorating fire
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