Arts Forward Ojai, LLC has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and breach of duty following a devastating fire that caused significant property damage. The complaint was filed on May 2, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Allen Electric & Lighting, Inc., Kerry Miller Designer/Builder, Inc., Rory’s Place LLC, HUB International Insurance Services, Inc., and unnamed defendants.
The case centers around a fire that broke out in the early hours of December 27, 2023, at Arts Forward Ojai's property located at 139 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai, California. The plaintiff claims that the fire originated from faulty electrical wiring installed by Allen Electric & Lighting under the direction of Kerry Miller Designer/Builder. Investigators determined that improper installation and defective materials were substantial factors in causing the blaze. The fire not only damaged the leased premises occupied by Rory’s Place LLC but also affected an adjacent building undergoing renovations at 145 E. Ojai Avenue.
In addition to holding the contractors responsible for their alleged negligence in installing electrical components, Arts Forward Ojai accuses Rory’s Place LLC of failing to act promptly upon discovering smoke within their premises. According to the complaint, employees noticed smoke entering a walk-in refrigerator and kitchen area but delayed notifying emergency services for nearly three hours. This delay allowed the fire to grow and cause extensive damage.
Moreover, Arts Forward Ojai charges HUB International Insurance Services with failing to secure appropriate insurance coverage for their properties despite assurances to do so. The plaintiff alleges that HUB did not obtain necessary property/building insurance for the 139 E. Ojai Avenue site before the fire occurred and failed to inform them about this oversight until after the incident. Consequently, Arts Forward Ojai faced significant financial exposure due to uninsured damages resulting from the fire.
The plaintiffs are seeking general and special damages covering investigation costs, repair expenses, lost business revenue due to closure during repairs, legal fees recoverable under California law against HUB International Insurance Services Inc., prejudgment interest where applicable by law; as well as any other relief deemed just by court proceedings.
Representing Arts Forward Ojai is Litchfield Malone McDonald LLP with attorneys Michael B. McDonald and Brianna L. Barajas leading counsel efforts on behalf of their client who demands jury trial consideration across all actionable claims within this litigation process (Case No: 2g25CLIPPoOaAsSs42).