Motel owner says sprinkler system caused damages

MARTINSBURG -– The owner of the Martinsburg motel claims the establishment received severe damages after a fire sprinkler system mistakenly engaged.

Shri Adinath claims he hired Mid Atlantic Fire to install the system at the Martinsburg Super 8 Motel.

However, the system caused severe water damage when it malfunctioned on Nov. 9, 2007, according to the complaint filed Jan. 6 in Berkeley Circuit Court.

Mid Atlantic Fire was negligent by improperly installing the system, by improperly maintaining the system and by misrepresenting that the system was in appropriate working order, the suit states.

Mid Atlantic Fire breached its contract when it failed to provide a properly functioning fire protection system, Adinath alleges.

"Defendant Mid Atlantic Fire will be unjustly enriched if it is allowed to keep the monies' paid to defendant for its faulty fire protection system," the suit states. "Defendant Mid Atlantic Fire will be unjustly enriched if it is allowed to keep the monies' paid to defendant for its improper maintenance of said fire protection system."

Adinath is seeking a judgment of $86,600.92, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs.

Christopher J. Prezioso of Luttrell and Prezioso in Martinsburg will be representing him.

Berkeley Circuit Court case number: 09-C-0019