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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Homeowner Seeks Damages From Hoarding

CHICAGO (CN) - A man who left his home in the care of a relative who piled junk to the ceiling and blocked the front door with it wants State Farm to pay for the damage.

Louis Atsaves sued the insurer in a pro se complaint in Cook County Court.

Atsaves says he moved out of his home in suburban Lincolnwood in February 2010, to convalesce at his daughter's house after kidney transplant surgery.

He says he had a homeowners policy with State Farm, and allowed his relative Constantine Atsaves to live in the house while he recovered from his surgery.

"In May 2010, Constantine began exhibiting strange behavior in conversations with Atsaves. At this time, Louis noticed damage to an exterior barbeque grill at the home," the complaint states.

"In June 2010 and as a result of Constantine's behavior, Atsaves filed a complaint for forcible entry and detainer to have Constantine removed from the home.

"In October 2010. Atsaves discovered that Constantine was 'hoarding' and accumulating massive amounts of items, personal articles, junk, garbage and other items in the home such that movement in the home was difficult. The front door entrance was blocked from entry and, in some cases; debris was piled to the ceiling. Constantine has since been diagnosed as mentally ill."

Louis says he regained possession of the home in January 2011, and "discovered significant physical damage to the home," which he says Constantine inflicted "in retaliation for his eviction".

Louis says he removed debris from the home from August to December 2011, and discovered "additional damage to the home, including a stolen ejector pump, missing wood paneling and insulation in the basement bedroom, damages to closet doors and damage to personal property".

He says that house "is currently uninhabitable," and he lives in rental property that he formerly leased out for $1,800 a month.

State Farm denied his claim.

He seeks damages for breach of contract vexatious and unreasonable actions.

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