A woman alleging a landlord’s failure to provide smoke detectors caused her relative to die in a fire is asking the court to withdraw an order preserving evidence after she previously requested the preservation.
Lisa Jones, as special administrator of the estate of Debra Condor, filed her lawsuit on Aug. 26 against Sandra Hernandez, alleging violation of the Smoke Detector Act.
In her complaint, Jones alleges Condor was a tenant in a room in Hernandez’s house, located at 1620 Courtney Blvd. in Granite City. On March 21, a fire occurred at the residence, resulting in Condor’s death from injuries sustained in the fire, the suit states.
Jones alleges Hernandez failed to install a sufficient number of smoke detectors, failed to implement fire safety policy for her tenants and failed to provide written information regarding a smoke detector.
The court entered an order preserving the property, and Jones filed a motion to withdraw the courts order.
Jones originally requested the preservation, but now no longer wants the property preserved. She claims the house is in disrepair and the Madison County Inspector plans to tear it down.
Hernandez filed a motion for substitution of judge on Jan. 20. The case had been assigned to Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian.
Jones seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus court costs.
She is represented by George Albers of the Roth Law Offices LLC in Granite City.
Hernandez is represented by John Cunningham and Denise Baker-Seal of Brown & James in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1207