GRETNA – A local discount retailer is being sued by its landlord after the store suffered severe fire damage when a disgruntled employee set it one fire.
Certain Underwriters of Lloyds London filed suit against Dolgencorp Inc. and Dollar General Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 19.
The plaintiff claims the Dollar General Corporation rented a store at 932 Westwood Drive in Marrero where it had a five-year lease agreement with Carlo DeMatteo who held an insurance policy with Lloyds London. Only six months into the lease the building was destroyed by fire and all of its contents were destroyed.
The plaintiff claims the fire was set by a disgruntled employee, who started the blaze in the paper products aisle after which it spread.
The defendant is accused of failing to adequately supervise Clarks’ actions, failing to provide an adequate plan to manage a disgruntled employee, failing to provide an adequate fire containment plan and failing to provide and adequate number of employees to monitor store operations.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for insurance premiums paid due to the damage.
The plaintiff is represented by Brandon Bennett of Metairie-based Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Murray, Recile, Griffith, Stakelum & Hayes LLP.
The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.
Case no. 735-635.
Landlord of Dollar General sues over fire damage caused by disgruntled employee
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