The family of a woman who died about a week after an explosion at her Orange County apartment is now suing the property owner and manager, as well as the gas service provider, alleging wrongful death.
Mikeanesha Moore died March 9 after the explosion on March 1 left her critically injured. The fiery blast occurred shortly she returned home to her recently-leased unit at the Woodhill Apartments, leaving Moore with what the lawsuit claims were third- and fourth-degree burns on more than 40% of her body.
The wrongful death lawsuit, filed April 2, amends a complaint filed March 8. It seeks damages in the loss of earnings from the day Moore was injured to when she died, the loss of income to her family as a result of her death and for all medical and funeral expenses to be paid, calling for a jury trial.
Named the lawsuit are SPT Wah Woodhill LLC, Highmark Residential LLC and the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, respectively identified in the litigation as the apartment complex’s owner, managing organization and gas services provider.
The lawsuit claims Orange County fire crews located an unplugged natural gas line in Moore’s laundry room, alleging it was determined “that gas leaked out of this unplugged natural gas line and had the line been lawfully plugged natural gas would not have been able to leak into the apartment and cause this fatal gas explosion.” Investigators have yet to outright confirm if the unplugged line was the cause of the explosion.
Also mentioned in the lawsuit are alleged years of complaints regarding the smell of leaking gas in the 600 building of the apartment complex, where Moore had signed a lease about two weeks prior.
This natural gas line was not plugged when the Plaintiff and her family began their lease approximately two weeks before the fatal gas explosion despite multiple agents of the Defendants entering the apartment after the prior lease expired. The prior tenant of this apartment witnessed this fatal unplugged gas line stuffed with a plastic garbage bag instead of being safely plugged and was not provided a licensed gas person to properly plug and inspect the gas line. This prior tenant smelled leaking natural gas in this same apartment for months prior to this fatal accident and was never provided a proper inspection by the Defendants. After the fatal explosion the gas line was plugged by the fire department as well as several other gas lines in the same apartment building. Another gas line in MIKEANESHA MOORE’S apartment remained unplugged for weeks even after the explosion.
CASE NO.: 48-2024-CA-002046 | AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR WRONGFUL DEATH | GENERAL ALLEGATIONS (item No. 9)
Moore’s husband, Raven Fondia, told News 6 that he, his wife and their three children moved to Florida two years ago for a “new beginning.” Following time spent in Altamonte Springs, Moore found Woodhill Apartments, where Fondia recounted the unthinkable.
“She returned home at 9:28 (a.m.) and then the gas pipes exploded at 9:33 (a.m.) — not even five minutes later,” Fondia said. “When I saw her, it tore me down. I don’t want to say much in case my kids come across this footage, but it’s severe. Very severe. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life, and the first time seeing this being my wife — I’m not even eating, I’m not sleeping, I’m worried about my mental state at this point.”
Orange County Fire Rescue told News 6 there have been four calls to Woodhill Apartments from Jan. 1, 2023, to March 5, 2024, where a gas odor was reported, though the fire department noted its response does not confirm a gas odor was detected.
Losing a loved one due to wrongful death is a devastating experience that can leave families grappling with immense grief and financial uncertainty. At Ovadia Law Group, we understand the pain and suffering you’re going through, and we’re here to provide compassionate legal support during this difficult time. Our experienced attorneys specialize in handling wrongful death cases and are committed to seeking justice for your loved one. We’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, assess liability, and work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether the wrongful death occurred due to medical malpractice, car accidents, or other negligent actions, we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure your family receives the compensation and closure you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone – contact Ovadia Law Group today at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation. Let us help you seek the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward.
Source: Click Orlando
