Insurance co. balks at claims in fatal fire

Updated: Thursday, 26 Apr 2012, 4:25 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 26 Apr 2012, 11:57 AM EDT

JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN,Associated Press

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — An insurance company said it should not have to pay claims or lawsuits stemming from a Christmas morning fire that killed five people because a contractor renovating the house misrepresented the type and scope of work his company performs.

Utica First Insurance Co. argues in a lawsuit filed this week in New York that Michael Borcina misrepresented the number of employees with his company, Tiberias Construction, its sales and payroll, and size and type of work it performs. The insurer says if it knew the facts, it would not have issued the policies.

The fire in Stamford, blamed on discarded fireplace ashes, killed 9-year-old Lily and 7-year-old twins Sarah and Grace Badger, and their grandparents, Lomer and Pauline Johnson.

The lawsuit says those who could be affected include the girls' parents, Madonna and Matthew Badger; Madonna's brother, Wade Johnson, and the estates of the victims. The Badgers are divorced.

"We are very disappointed that Tiberias Construction's insurance company is trying to get out from under its legal obligations," said David Grudberg, Borcina's attorney.

Authorities have said Borcina, who escaped the blaze along with Madonna Badger, is believed to have placed the ashes in or outside an entryway, near the trash.

Richard Emery, Matthew Badger's attorney, said he has to examine the insurer's claim.

"But at first blush it certainly seems that the insurance company is trying to wiggle out of their responsibility to compensate Borcina's victims," Emery said.

Emery said he was considering a lawsuit against Borcina "and a lot of other people that we believe are responsible for what occurred."

Stan Twardy, attorney for Madonna Badger, declined to comment, saying he hadn't seen the lawsuit. A message was left with an attorney for the insurance company.

The insurer says its rules for acceptable types of businesses and risks for which it provides insurance specifies limits on the number of employees, sales, payroll and type of work.

Matthew Badger has started a project that supports underfunded elementary school arts programs in memory of his daughters.

"Nothing is going to bring them back but perhaps their memory can be perpetuated effectively if the foundation that Matthew Badger has started is properly supported," Emery said.