Victims say they were ransacked days after blaze at Amber Ridge Apartments
Other fire victims like Joan Williams hoped to salvage what was left, but when they were told they had to stay out until it was safe much to their surprise they were victims again. 9/29/16 (Christy Wilcox / KSNV)
After families were displaced by a fire at Amber Ridge Apartments they said not only did they suffer from the loss of a fire, but they also lost out because their apartments were ransacked while they were told to keep out for safety reasons. James Cutkelvin and his family were fire victims.
"Everything was messed up, everything was burnt," said Cutkelvin.
Other fire victims like Joan Williams hoped to salvage what was left, but when they were told they had to stay out until it was safe much to their surprise they were victims again.
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"They told me don't worry about it, they are going to secure this place we are going to send security 24 -7," said Hector Medina.
Amber Ridge Communications Manager, Barbara Villacis tells us they had security on the premise issuing this statement:
“Our TOP priority remains the safety and security of our residents, so we have worked diligently with the authorities, as well as with the residents that have been impacted by this unfortunate situation. As standard with most apartment communities, Amber Ridge management requires liability insurance for external coverage of the property which residents pay $10/month charge with an external vendor that Amber Ridge has a relationship with. Additionally, we encourage residents to obtain their own insurance coverage for their own personal belongings. Amber Ridge and its ownership are in no way part of the carrier’s underwriting decisions. We are a customer of a carrier just like our residents are, and to that end have no ability to impact their decision-making process.”
Attorney Norman Reed said management usually doesn't have an obligation to protect a person's property, but this case could be different because they had a security company on the premise to protect victim’s assets. Reed said, in this case, the responsibility might be on management or the company watching the apartments.
"If they hired security and there are things taken or lost they are responsible because they have been paid to protect against that loss," said Reed.
Reed recommends taking photos of everything in a rental property and getting insurance from a provider that you have chosen. Also, make sure you understand the contract that you sign.
Victims said they paid a ten dollar fee through management for insurance with the understanding that they would get coverage up to $10,000 for fire or water damage. Villacis said that coverage is for the exterior of the property and although they have a relationship with the insurance company it is up to underwriters to determine what loss they will cover. Fire victims said after all this, they feel like they got the run-around.
"When I did call both parties each said the other was responsible for making the claim on our behalf," said Cutkelvin.
The fire victims also admitted whoever stole from them had time to take their belongings because those who did not suffer a lot of fire damage said even large items disappeared from their places.
"I was only there three months. I had brand new couches, brand new tv's, everything was gone," said Williams.
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