MARINGOUIN — The family of a mother and her 6-year-old son who died in an apartment fire has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the companies that operate the complex where they lived.

The 14-page lawsuit details what the families of Lauren and Layton Carter have endured since the fire.

The fire broke out at the Ridgewood Apartment Complex. It has been 10 days since heavy smoke billowed out of the building.

Louis Hawkins, a nearby resident, said the roads were blocked at both ends when the fire broke out.

"I didn't know what had happened," Hawkins said.

Hawkins watched smoke flood the sky from down the street.

"I didn't know until the fire was over that it was a lady and a child," he said.

The lawsuit alleges management failed to keep the property safe for residents by not complying with “applicable fire, life-safety, building, electrical and housing codes."

Two weeks after the fire, yellow tape still surrounds the apartment building, boards hang over windows and soot has stained exterior walls.

Carter's family also alleges they have been unable to enter the apartment to claim personal belongings that might have survived the fire, though that could change during a hearing Monday.

The Ridgewood Apartment Complex was contacted for comment on the lawsuit but did not respond in time for the broadcast. The state fire marshal's office said the fire is still under investigation.