Entergy sued by electric customer's insurer over home fire

GRETNA – An insurer for a man whose home caught fire is suing his electric provider on his behalf.

State Farm and Casualty Company, as subrogee of and Michael Leonard, filed suit against Entergy Corporation, Entergy New Orleans Inc. and Entergy Louisiana LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 3.

State Farm and Casualty Company claims that a fire broke out at his home located at 321 Terry Parkway in Gretna on Sept. 10. The plaintiff alleges that an investigation revealed the fire originated near a service meter box located on the property that was connected, serviced and maintained by Entergy and that it should be held liable for the blaze.

The defendant is accused of failing to properly install and maintain the electrical service wires and component parts, failing to warn the homeowner of the defects in the installation and failing to properly inspect their equipment.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for property repair, property replacement and to recover the amount paid to repair the home.

State Farm and Casualty Company is represented by attorney James E. Brouillette of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 730-680.