Irvy E. Cosse, III
GRETNA – The wife of man who allegedly died from electrocution is suing a home inspection company.
Arlana Jo Bernard, individually and on behalf of her deceased husband Arthur Bernard, filed suit against Keypoint Home Inspections, LLC, Lawrence F. Herbert, Peter Barilaro and their insurers in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 10.
Bernard claims Keypoint was hired to do a comprehensive inspection of the home with its previous owner Adam Vicknair before the Bernards entered into an agreement to purchase it. The plaintiff alleges the defendants included in the report that insulation underneath the home needed to be repaired, but withheld other key information on the condition of the home including the fact it contained faulty wiring. Bernard asserts, shortly after taking ownership of the home, her husband entered the crawlspace to repair the insulation and was electrocuted by the faulty wiring.
The defendant is accused of failing to find and report dangerous electrical wiring under the home during its inspection, failing to warn of dangerous exterior electrical wiring, failing to perform a complete home inspection and recommending repairs be made without warning of potentially dangerous conditions.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental anguish caused by viewing the deceased relative immediately after the accident, loss of consortium, loss of love and affection, loss of service, loss of society, loss of service, loss of support, grief and mental anguish and loss of community income.
Bernard is represented by Irvy E. Cosse, III of New Orleans-based Cosse & Cosse, LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner.
Case no. 718-055.