Support Josues Recovery: Help with Medical Bills, Legal Fees, and Relocation Costs

On December 28th, a gas leak in our apartment caused a fire that left my partner, Josue, with second-degree burns on his face and hands, first-degree eye burns, and significant emotional trauma. The situation was made worse by the actions of our landlords, whose neglect and harassment during the incident have compounded our distress. We are now seeking your support to help cover medical bills, legal fees, and relocation costs.

The Incident:

At approximately 2:40 PM, a gas leak in our apartment caused a fire when the boiler was turned on. Josue suffered second-degree burns from the flames. Instead of assisting, Mr. C (who we will call our landlord) tampered with the scene. He refused to call an ambulance, stating it was “not his obligation” to help.

Firefighters were called by a neighbor, but the landlords forced us to stay inside the apartment, threatening that there would be “trouble” if we left. I was forced to choose between leaving Josue with strangers who were attempting to treat his burns with aloe vera and alcohol and staying to protect my pets from the fire or run to the firefighters for help. I had to remain inside, ensuring the safety of our animals and preventing the landlord's wife, Mrs. S, from further causing Josue pain while she attempted to “treat” his burns without proper medical care.

When the firefighters arrived, the landlord misled them, claiming that our dog had bitten the gas line and that everything was “fine.” He failed to disclose Josue’s injuries or the ongoing gas leak. The gas leak was never inspected, and security cameras in the apartment can show the landlords rushing us into their apartment, attempting to hide the situation.

Additionally, Mrs. S recorded Josue without his consent while he was in distress and attempted to manipulate him into taking the blame for the fire.

The Aftermath:

Between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, Josue was taken to a clinic to see a doctor, after pleading to Mr.C that Josue required medical attention. The doctor from the clinic recommended that he be taken to the hospital immediately for care, as it was critical and expressed great concern to why Josue wasn’t taken to the emergency room in an ambulance. When i confronted the landlord about the doctor’s concern. I reiterated what the doctor had said of his injuries being severe, and that we should have not went to a clinic; he should’ve allowed us to speak with the firefighter, Mr. C laughed in my face and dismissed the situation, telling me it was “our fault” and that we should handle it ourselves. I let Mr. C know that I would be getting a lawyer to resolve this and for him to leave so that Josue could speak with his doctor.

The landlord then aggressively entered the doctor’s office while Josue was receiving his consultation and began insulting the doctor and accusing us of causing the fire. He then harassed us further by waiting outside the office and clinic, trying to engage us in conversation when Josue needed to focus on his medical care.

As the harassment continued, I felt increasingly unsafe, so I had to call the police to report the ongoing situation after seeking shelter in a pharmacy with Josue (who was still untreated)

Mrs. S (who is the landlord’s wife) then appeared only to threaten us, using her position as a lawyer to intimidate us, saying, “I am a lawyer, don’t you forget that,” as she entered the pharmacy and put herself face to face with me. A video was shot of her and the landlord’s harassment in public, where they both refused to leave us alone until we made the call to 911.

Why We Need Your Support:

Josue is recovering from his second-degree burns and requires ongoing medical care. Josue will be required to go on disability, which can take weeks to months. Funds will also go towards therapy to aid with the physical and emotional trauma of the fire and the trauma caused by the landlords. In addition, we need legal representation to hold the landlords accountable for their negligence and harassment.

We are also facing the urgent need to relocate from the apartment due to the unsafe living conditions and fear of our landlords illegally entering our apartment as they are already refusing to give us our bills to pay for electricity and water, forcing them to be past due and leaving us without the basic necessities to navigate our already difficult situation.

We are asking for your support to help cover:

• Medical expenses and therapy for Josue’s recovery

• Legal fees to address the landlords’ actions and seek justice for the harm caused

• Relocation costs to secure a safer living environment

Your generosity will make a significant difference in Josue’s recovery and help us regain our safety and stability. Please consider donating or sharing it with others who may be able to help.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this incredibly difficult time. Josue and I love every single one of you and are grateful to see another day.