Propane Class Action Suit

Law firms launch $300-million propane blast suit

Two Toronto law firms say they'll file papers to start a $300 million class-action lawsuit on behalf of business owners and residents affected by this weekend's propane blasts.

The City of Toronto and Sunrise Propane Energy Group Inc., the site of Sunday's massive explosions, will be named on a notice of action, according to the website classproceedings.ca
The website states that the Toronto firms of Stevensons LLP and Bogoroch & Associates also "intend to commence an action against the Province of Ontario."

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), which carries out inspections on behalf of governments, is also expected to be named in the suit after it and the province receive a required 60-day notice, according to the site. The suit will be filed "in respect of the devastating propane gas explosions which occurred on August 10, 2008," said the website.

The suit is being launched "to hold the authorities accountable so it doesn't happen again," Harvin Pitch, counsel to Stevenson LLP, told CTV.ca on Wednesday.

"This shouldn't happen. When hazardous products explode someone is usually held accountable."
The class-action website states that one of the bases for the claim against the city of Toronto is that it "permitted Sunrise to locate and operate on the premises and to carry on its dangerous operation in the vicinity of residential homes and businesses."

"The plaintiffs claim damages in the amount of $300,000,000.00 for negligence, nuisance, trespass, strict liability," the website said.

Pitch said the suit could entail thousands of plaintiffs, but he noted that the $300 million compensation claim is "just a rough estimate."

"We won't know the accurate number until we get into the case," he said.

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