The Standard Fire Insurance Company, along with Nitin Kempanahalli and Apeksha Hudedagaddi, has filed a lawsuit against Design Milagros Inc., Kanupriya Arora, Jet Insurance Company, and other unnamed defendants. The complaint was filed on November 21, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The plaintiffs allege negligence, breach of contract, and seek damages for a failed water heater that caused significant damage to their property.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on March 15, 2024, when a water heater malfunctioned at the residence of Kempanahalli and Hudedagaddi in San Francisco. This failure resulted in extensive water damage across multiple floors of their home. At the time of the incident, the property was insured by The Standard Fire Insurance Company. The plaintiffs had previously entered into a remodeling contract with Design Milagros Inc., led by contractor Kanupriya Arora. They claim that despite requesting a new tankless water heater during renovations in June 2023, their request was denied by Design Milagros Inc., which instead relocated an old water heater to the top floor.
The lawsuit details several causes of action against the defendants. Firstly, it accuses them of negligence for failing to advise properly and supervise the remodeling work according to industry standards. It is alleged that Arora and other contractors ignored visible signs indicating that the existing water heater was outdated and corroded. Secondly, there is an accusation of negligence per se against Arora and others for not complying with applicable codes such as sections from the California Plumbing Code and Business & Professions Code. Thirdly, there is a breach of contract claim against Design Milagros Inc., asserting they did not complete the remodel work in a competent manner as agreed upon.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $169,790.66 for repair costs covered by insurance payments made by The Standard Fire Insurance Company on behalf of Kempanahalli and Hudedagaddi. Additionally, they seek compensation for uncovered damages including mold remediation costs and deductibles amounting to $3,660 which were not reimbursed by insurance.
In terms of legal representation and court proceedings: Suzanne A. Tollefson from Law Offices of John A. Biard represents the plaintiffs; however specific defense attorneys are not named within this document nor is there mention regarding presiding judges beyond case identification CGC-24-619989.