A devastating fire that ravaged multiple condominium units in Oxnard, California, has led to a legal battle over accountability and damages. Truck Insurance Exchange, a California Interinsurance Exchange, filed a complaint on June 13, 2024, in the Ventura Superior Court against Sarina Singhi and other unnamed defendants for negligence resulting in property damage amounting to $379,555.31.
According to the court documents, Truck Insurance Exchange alleges that Sarina Singhi was the owner and tenant of Unit 5056 at the condominium property located at 5056 Nautilus Street. The insurance company claims that Singhi's negligent maintenance and use of an uncertified decorative appliance within a factory-built fireplace caused a fire on January 12, 2022. This fire not only damaged Unit 5056 but also spread to adjacent units at 5054 and 5060 Nautilus Street and properties at 1310 and 1312 Mandalay Beach Road.
The plaintiff further asserts that the Mandalay Shores Condominium Association was insured by Truck Insurance Exchange at the time of the incident. The insurance policy covered damages to commercial real property as well as loss of use. Following the fire, Truck Insurance Exchange paid out $379,555.31 to cover the damages sustained by Mandalay Shores Condominium Association. Consequently, they are seeking equitable subrogation to recover this amount from Singhi and any other parties found responsible.
Truck Insurance Exchange contends that all defendants acted negligently in various capacities such as agents, contractors, or employees connected with maintaining or overseeing Unit 5056. The lawsuit names thirty unidentified defendants (Does 1 through 30) who may have contributed to the negligence leading up to the fire.
In their filing, Truck Insurance Exchange is requesting several forms of relief from the court:
1. Damages totaling $379,555.31 or an amount proven during trial.
2. Prejudgment interest from June 8, 2023.
3. Reimbursement for costs incurred during litigation.
4. Any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is being handled by Lina S. Davidian from Farmers Insurance Subrogation & Recovery Law Firm on behalf of Truck Insurance Exchange. The case number assigned is 2024CUPP025915.