Victim of Lake View Fire Sues Building Owner

CHICAGO, IL - Attorneys for a victim of a recent Lake View apartment fire where two people were saved by jumping from a third floor window have filed a lawsuit against the owner of the building claiming negligence.

Beau Zanca, of Schaumburg, filed the complaint against Pierre Meunier, who owns the building at 3431 N. Janssen Avenue that went ablaze on Friday, April 15.

The lawsuit states Zanca, who was a guest at the residence when the fire took place, has sustained permanent injuries.

The Romanucci & Blandin law firm claims Meunier failed to maintain working smoke detectors inside the building, failed to test the smoke detectors inside the building to assure they were in good working order, failed to see that the property was reasonably safe for residents and visitors and negligence and carelessness in the maintenance and operation of the building, including the rental units on the third floor.

According to one attorney working Zanca’s case, the quick action lawsuit was necessary to preserve evidence. Just a few days after the fire, burglars ransacked the apartment for valuable items.

“There have been reports of burglars ransacking the building after the Chicago Fire Department Bomb and Arson Unit completed its investigation,” said Lawyer Antonio M. Romanucci. “We want to be afforded the opportunity to conduct our own parallel investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Determining whether or not there were significant and required safety warning devices in place, and in proper operating condition in the structure is critical."

Romanucci said he has "the utmost confidence" in the Chicago Fire Department's investigation, "but we must preserve the right to be able to conduct our own if necessary, with the goal of making certain that all buildings occupied by residents of the City of Chicago are in compliance with the law and have ready and working smoke and fire alarm detectors.”

Zanca seeks compensatory damages. The amount was not specified by the attorneys.