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Accidental Fire Liability - CT
Asked Jan 24, 2011, 09:23 AM
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12 Answers I am a renter in CT. My apartment was in an accidental fire(stove was accidentally turned on without my notice, the indication light on stove might have failed to turn on and eventually the stove caught fire). Fire Marshall said the electric stove has a burner and that caught fire and it was purely accidental. Now my landlord is trying to get withold my security deposite and go after me for all damages of the fire. The landlord for the building should have insurance but seem to go after me for the full amount(including fees that I did not agree upon, I.e. Removal cost). What should I do? |
12 Answers
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| They likely have a high deductible before the insurance kicks in....and they can go after that part. If you have renters insurance (your responsibility) they might cover that deductible....but in any case...you may want to set up a consultation with a lawyer in your area. | ||||
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| When insurance companies start talking liability there is no such thing as an accident in their book. Chances are both insurance companies will say this is not an accident but simply neglect or forgetfulness on your part. From what you tell us nothing broke to cause the stove to turn on. Something/someone turned it on. And forgot about it because maybe the pilot light did not show. Can you give a more detailed explanation about "stove was accidentally turned on without my notice" | ||||
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| Thank you for your responses. I was cleaning and moving things around my studio. I can't figure out how, but the knob for one of stovetop was turned. Didn't know anything until I heard the fire alarm went off. Next thing I know I saw fire on the stove, it then caught something nearby and spread a little. The fire was really small, and most of the damage was due to the firemen. They spray the whole place down and I can't salvage much of anything. The letter from the landlord was vague, saying they reserve the right to go after me for the cost of the damages, but nothing set in stone that I am liable. I am wondering if I am in any danger of lawsuit and if I really need a lawyer, or I can just brush them off. | ||||
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| Comment on ballengerb1's post Quote:
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Sure you're in danger of being sued. You damaged somebody's property and he wants you to pay for what you did. Sounds reasonable to me, and it'll sound reasonable to a court too. You certainly can't brush him off. You say he wants you to pay for ALL the damages, but you should be liable for only his deductible. If you wait until your sued, it'll cost you a lot more than that, so I'd suggest negotiating a settlement with him right now. excon | ||||
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| As was mentioned several times.....get a lawyer....or expect to get fleeced. Its really not a do-it-yourself project. And an example of why its good to carry your own renters insurance. If you had your out of pocket might be next to nothing and your property would have been covered as well. | ||||
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| Comment on smoothy's post Quote:
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