A woman that was badly injured when she was forced to jump from her burning apartment building is suing the owners of the building for allowing a mentally ill tenant-turned-arsonist, that had elicited prior bizarre behavior, to continue to reside there, as reported by the Courthouse News Service.
A.R. was forced to jump from a four-story building to avoid burning to death. The fall resulted in breaks to both her feet and all ten of her toes.
The lawsuit was filed in Adams County Court and lists Fitz Apartments and Fitz 46 LLLP as the defendants.
A.R. claims that the "unnamed resident" that set the fire was allowed to live in the building because he had threatened to sue Fitz Apartments. She also claims that the resident suffered from mental health problems and that there had been several complaints lodged by residents about his strange behavior.
One such illustration of the arsonist's behavior: he had told the building manager that his "brainwaves", and his personal computer, were affected by an antennae that was on the roof. After the manager refused to remove the antennae, according to the suit, the tenant dumped gasoline directly in front of the manager's door.
Then the tenant set the gasoline on fire.
In the ensuing blaze two tenants were killed; both had previously resided on either side of A.R.'s apartment.
Along with A.R., twenty other residents were injured.
The suit states, "When the plaintiff heard the fire alarm in the hallway outside her door, she opened the door and the hallway was engulfed by the fire, preventing her from safely exiting through the door. Plaintiff was forced to jump out of her window on the fourth floor to the ground below to avoid smoke and burn injuries."
Following the fire, the suit states that A.R. has had to suffer "four surgeries through December 27, 2012. She is continuing to undergo medical care and treatment as well as surgeries for these injuries."
It is believed that "the fire was intentionally set by a tenant" that was known to have suffered with "mental health issues, had been on a mental health hospital hold, and was on medication for mental health problems."
Complaints by residents about the "unnamed tenant" also included harassment, as well as marijuana and alcohol abuse.
The suit claims that though Fitz Apartments was aware of the tenant's mental issues they "failed to conduct any investigation or ensure policies were in place if he became a risk to of harm to other tenants."
Fire investigators have since confirmed that the fire was an arson, set intentionally by the ignition of gasoline.
A.R. is represented by attorney Angela Ekker. The suit seeks damages for negligence, premises liability and violations of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
Have you been injured due to the fault of another party? Contact a personal injury lawyer to file your lawsuit and sue for your damages today. Oftentimes monetary awards are made for pain and suffering.