Veteran Recovering from Surgery in Fort Lauderdale Returns to Demolished Home

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 3, 2015

A U.S. Navy veteran who underwent knee replacement surgery in Fort Lauderdale in December of 2014 returned home to Long Island earlier this year. When he pulled up to what should have been a two-story house, all he found was a vacant lot. His home had been demolished months earlier by the town of Hempstead, in which he lived.

Frequent complaints from neighbors about the condition of the house were the impetus behind action by the town of Hempstead against the home. According to town officials, they had sent the owner several notices to both his residence and to several banks who were party to the mortgage for the property. But the owner states that he never received any notification at all. After sending the letters, Hempstead officials also say they held a public hearing before proceeding with the demolition.

The home owner lost all of her personal property in the demolition, including family heirlooms and family pictures. He had lived in the home since he was an infant. Now the only possessions he owns are stuffed into two suitcases that he took with him to Florida prior to his knee surgery.

For now, the home owner has initiated litigation against the town of Hempstead, for failing to follow proper process in condemning his home. He claims that the town is not cooperating with his legal team and currently will not give the date of the demolition or even the company that performed the service. In addition, the mortgage on the property is still outstanding. With no home in which to live, this puts this home owner out on the streets, or living with friends.

Unfortunately, incidents like this happen all too often to our elderly population. An unexpectedly hospitalization or injury can stretch on for months, making that person an easy target if they fall into financial straits. If a mortgage lender or municipality takes action against the property, it is extremely important to seek legal counsel on the situation.

If you or someone you love has litigation pending against their residence after a long or unexpected illness or injury, please contact James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.