Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey
Recovering Losses From an Apartment Fire
My apartment is located above a restaurant which caught on fire yesterday. My apartment is completely destroyed by the fire. The problem here is that it is the restaurants fault, and we are paying the price. First of all, the fire alarm for the building was not functioning, possibly turned off by the owner. The firemen came after a half hour, then waited another half our because the didn't know how to get in. They actually went to the owners house to get the key instead of breaking the window of the restaurant which was on fire at the time. It's an Italian restaurant so it is possible that the mafia was involved, or that it was torched due to poor business for the insurance settlement. We do not have renter's insurance, but the owner has the building insured, but it does not cover us. We lost everything in the fire, all our cash and valuables.
Is there and way that I can be compensated by the restaurant or owner for what I lost. Do I contact a lawyer? What do I talk to, and what should I say? Any Information or advice is appreciated, thanks.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Recovering Losses From an Apartment Fire
The first department should have a report from making a determination of what caused the fire. Take the report to an attorney so that a determination can be made as to whom you should sue.
Call me if you like.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com