Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Fire in my apartment

There was a fire in my apartment and the whole building was burned. I was severly injured too. Investigation is still ongoing and cause of fire is undetermined. I received a letter from my Apartment management insurance company mentioning that the losses are estimated to be at $0.5 Million and they asked to forward that letter to my insurance company. I don't have renter's insurance. Do I need to do anything with that letter? Is there any chance that I'll end up paying $0.5 Million?


Asked on 12/25/08, 8:28 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Burton Padove Indiana and Illinois Lawyer, Burton A. Padove

Re: Fire in my apartment

Yes, there is a chance if you were responsible for the fire. If you were not at fault, you may have a cause of action against whomeever started the fire or was a cause of the fire.

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Answered on 12/27/08, 12:58 pm
Lesley Hoenig Lesley A. Hoenig, Attorney at Law

Re: Fire in my apartment

Even if you had renter's insurance, it would only cover your personal property, it would not cover the damage to the structure itself. And if you were the person who caused the fire or responsible for the fire, you could be sued by the complex and ordered to may that $.5million. You don't really indicate whether you are at fault for the fire, but if there is a possibility that you are, I'd highly recommend finding an attorney as soon as possible. If you were not responsible for the fire, you'd still want to look into suing whoever is responsible for the injuries caused to you.

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Answered on 12/26/08, 1:34 pm


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