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2012-06-21 at 14:08

Suit filed

By Jodi Lundmark, tbnewswatch.com
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A $300 million statement of claim was filed against the City of Thunder Bay Thursday.

Watkins Law filed the class-action lawsuit alleging the city was negligent in allowing the Atlantic Avenue sewage treatment plant to flood on May 28.  The suit has six representative plaintiffs with another 200 ready to sign on once the class-action is certified, said lawyer Alexander (Sandy) Zaitzeff.

“There are very serious allegations of negligence contained within the statement of claim as it is our belief that the city was completely and totally unprepared and that is not what a responsible city would do,” he said.

“This was preventable by foresight and it was all predictable,” he added.

The suit is claiming $200 million in general damages, $100 million in special damages and $20 million for the Family Law Act, which Zaitzeff said includes the extended family of the injured party.

The 30-page claim details allegations against the city, which Zaitzeff said includes the city’s failure to foresee the devastation of the May 28 storm that saw about 3,000 homes incur flood damage.

“The city failed to properly track the storm. They knew full well a storm was coming. They did nothing,” he said.

The claim also alleges the city is under a gag order from their insurers. Zaitzeff said the insurers would have been on site at the treatment plant on May 28 and every day after until they knew exactly what caused the plant to flood.

“They have (the cause) without question now,” he said.

“They are not putting it out there. They have firstly, and most importantly, a moral obligation to every citizen in this city to let them know that the city has corrected all of the deficiencies, all of the failures in maintenance and has a disaster plan in place.”

Zaitzeff also said he believes the city’s staff and administration are good, honest people.

“We are not suggesting for a second that anyone at the city is dishonest or lazy,” he said. “But they made mistakes. They failed. Good people can make mistakes.”

If successful in court, Zaitzeff and his firm will receive 33.3 per cent of the settlement. Zaitzeff said they will give five per cent of that to whatever charity is helping the most needy flood victims at the time.

City officials have declined to comment.

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Comments

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stuck? says:
what is this 100 million for "special damages"?

Quite a large amount of money. Better start saving your cash now because if this actually goes through, taxes are going through the roof.
6/21/2012 2:21:09 PM
big joe mufferaw says:
Special damages = lawyer's fee
6/21/2012 9:06:18 PM
hopper says:
Do you complainers asking for your aid donations back and crying "no fair!" and freaking out about your taxes going up realise that your current taxes are spending millions per year to treat RAINWATER in your sewage plant??!

Some backwards thinking going on in this town, methinks.
6/22/2012 6:50:23 AM
Dontlistentome says:
Ultimately that's a fact for sure. Higher taxes seems inevitable. I am surprised that there is very little information about how those of us who have not signed on to this ridiculous and premature lawsuit might well be adversely affected. Will this lawsuit negatively impact those not on the suit in trying to access relief funding quickly. Clearly, many of us are looking to get past this as quickly as possible.

With that said, I can't tell you how fortunate we have been personally. Our insurance and adjustor was fantastic, First General Contractors both local and Winnipeg, Clow Darling and others, have been amazing, professional and efficient. I empathize with anyone whose experience has not been positive, but anyone we have had contact with had been great.

The city may have some liability to residents, to be honest, the extent of this I think remains to be seen. I would imagine that many signed onto the suit out of unknown fears if they didn't. We were willing to wait and see.
6/22/2012 8:26:44 AM
buzz says:
I can't beleive the lawyers are asking for this much. Let's look at the facts 3000 homes were indeed flooded, but not every one of those homes was because of the sewer backup, at least half were rain water(ie. Northwood), which is not the cities fault. So this suit alleges 215,000 in damage to each home that had sewage back up, not likely. For those that said the city failed in a contractural obligation on the sewage system, a few years ago during an intense rain my hydro went out, causing my sump to stop and water to get in my basement, by your argument myself and my neighbors should have had a class action lawsuit against Thunder Bay Hydro, because I pay my bill, however through an act of nature beyond their control my hydro went out. And I have heard through the grapevine that hydro did not have a worker at the place the line broke at the time. Just because something horrible happened does not mean someone is negliegent. Best of luck to all in repairing the damages.
6/22/2012 1:10:42 PM
blue_eyes says:
300 million... YOU'RE KIDDING ME RIGHT?!?!?!?!?!

talk about extreme...
6/21/2012 2:25:03 PM
yer joking says:
And Lady Luck smiles down on a couple of Good ol’Homegrown boys who are trying to rectify the wrongs and dispersions cast upon the downtrodden citizens of Thunder Bay. The continuing tale of Lawyers and the justice system without so much as a mention of politics. Go Sandy, Go Chris , show this City that erroneous malberfuste will not be taken litely. The good people of Thunder Bay won’t sit back and be duped! It takes a Team to win the game!
6/21/2012 5:24:54 PM
advocate says:
that is $1 million per person. Are you to tell me that the average person faced that much damage???

That will cost us each $3000.
6/21/2012 2:28:04 PM
advocate says:
and just if anyone asks where I get my numbers by, it was from the previous news report that 300 people signed up
6/21/2012 3:30:03 PM
Tim H. says:
3K each? does that include the victims?

or will it cost the citys insurance company 3K each?

If youre worried about the amount, you should have been worried about all the frivilous spending the city has done with other things.

Whats more important? Bubble art at the marina, or a finctional sewage system?

I guess for dummies, theyd rather have art. Now you will pay dearly for it.
6/21/2012 4:09:39 PM
advocate says:
$3000 each includes the general population.

There is a difference between spending money to improve the city and spending money so that the city can fill the pockets of lawyers.

6/21/2012 4:16:22 PM
Tim H. says:
Thats exactly why our city council and officials are charged with providing the services that we pay for.

If the city had properly spent our tax dollars on our infrastructure, we wouldnt have to pay lawyers their percentages, and the victims of the citys negligence wouldnt be victims.

So, next time you support your government wasting money on art projects instead of things we need such as a separate storm/sanitary sewer system you should speak up in favour of infrastructure, not for bent, talking guardrails with lights on them.

You made your bed.

Now lay in it.

6/21/2012 4:31:45 PM
advocate says:
Tim, you do not know the exact reason why this happened. I know you have your "sources" but none of us know the truth right now.

This also brings in the question if the city paid $10 million more on this facility, would it have stopped this. Maybe, maybe not. Until we know exactly what happened (and not through rumours or friends) we cannot find out what could have been done.

So do not use rumours to justify the horrendous amount of this lawsuit.
6/21/2012 5:32:47 PM
homelessteen says:
I think the amount is intended to scare the city into a settlement out of court.

lets face it the city could buy the entire number of houses which were flooded and replace everyones contents for less
6/21/2012 2:32:09 PM
useyourbrain says:
I can't believe that anyone would be part of this law suit. You are placing a law suit against your own city, a city that is supporting you and doing what they can in the event of natural storm that very rarely happens. Even if the plant failed the 300 million would be better spent fixing the sewage plant, sewers and drainage system of the city then paying greedy lawyers and a few people looking for answers. Of course everyone is upset what happened and everyone is looking to blame someone. But blame is not the solution, prevention in the future and supporting our community is at a greater need.
6/21/2012 2:33:20 PM
ringettemom says:
I'm personally not for or against the lawsuit, I'm interested in waiting to see what info comes out.
However, I find it really interesting that the city still won't say what caused the backup, as they would have known from the first hours.
6/21/2012 3:20:45 PM
Glyder says:
The motors, which are responsible for keeping the crap moving (pardon the pun) got submerged, and failed. That caused the backup. What they are not sure of, is what caused the FLOODING of the PLANT, which caused the motors to fail.

And they couldn't have found out in the first hours, as you so condescendingly say, because the plant was under water, which took what, at least a week to clear? Get your facts straight pls.
6/21/2012 3:37:40 PM
advocate says:
but you cannot believe with any bit that each household deserves $1 million (minus legal fees) in compensation? You cannot believe that this law firm deserves $100 million?
6/21/2012 3:53:44 PM
outside looking in says:
Couldn't agree more. I have been reading these posts since the flood and I can't believe how quickly people are to blame the city for all the problems. Is it realistic for the city to disperse pumps and manpower around the city every time "the Weather Network" says a storm is coming this way. Give me a break. In everythi8ng I have read, all the problems come down to only one cause. THE ROOM WHERE THE PUMPS ARE LOCATED FLOODED AND THEY SHUT DOWN. This is the only reason I have read or heard of. The question that needs to be answered is "What caused the room to flood".
6/22/2012 7:21:40 PM
TBDR says:
I think the fact that Watkins Law receives 33.3% of any winnings should say it all folks. This is not about victims... its about opportunism.
6/21/2012 2:39:45 PM
panzerIV says:
2013's budget Services cut 80% taxes rise 40%.

300 million, wow. I'm sure you could build a whole new community for these people with like 50 million on higher ground in 200,000 houses.

Perfect time to look out west seems like.
6/21/2012 2:41:27 PM
SomeGuy says:
There is no way that $600,000 to each person that has signed on of damage was done. Even if all 3,000 homes signed on that's still $100,000 a home which is outrageous.
6/21/2012 2:46:56 PM
nads74 says:
"“The city failed to properly track the storm. They knew full well a storm was coming. They did nothing,” he said"

seriously...THAT'S your argument??? What a joke.

Well then we should all sue the weather network, look how often they are wrong!!!!
6/21/2012 2:52:20 PM
Lally says:
Pure greed. So the lawyers want 100 million and then each claimant expects to get just under a million (if there were going to be 206 claimants and they were actually awarded the asking amount)? That's not replacement of furniture and sentimental items. That is greed, pure and simple.
6/21/2012 2:55:03 PM
p.o.ed taxpayer says:
I guess the 5% for charity is meant to make these sleeze bags look better, and give some cover to the people who like to B.S. everyone with how these lawyers do so much for charity...everything they do is for money and a tax break....they jumped on this so fast, its disgusting...they will raise the stakes so much that they basically will extort a settlement...something wrong with our legal system.
6/21/2012 2:57:31 PM
Heidi says:
Please.....ugh...you ppl should be ashamed of yourselves. This has "GREED" all over it !!
6/21/2012 2:58:32 PM
tbaykatrina says:
The city failed to properly track the storm? and what were they to do... build a giant bubble around the city to prevent the rain from falling?

I presume the people who are part of this lawsuit are ONLY those who had sewer back up, because the city could do NOTHING to prevent that much rain from falling. And even then... it has not been determined as of yet if the City could have prevented the mishap with the sewer plant. (I'm sure the gossip mills, speculators, and "those in the know from the local Timmies" can say otherwise)

No one wants to see these families go bankrupt because of this. And while some things can never be replaced, making the city "pay" (figuratively and literally) will only end up hurting us all in the end. Make them accountable, ensure they fix things... but don't personally benefit from it.
6/21/2012 3:06:08 PM
Glyder says:
"Zaitzeff also said he believes the city’s staff and administration are good, honest people.

“We are not suggesting for a second that anyone at the city is dishonest or lazy,” he said. “But they made mistakes. They failed. Good people can make mistakes.”"

Yes, and now you are going to make them pay for that mistake, aren't you? And not only pay, keep paying. Where do you think that money, if it is settled, is going to come from. Us, the middle class, the ones who are already taxed out the wazoo.

Thanks man. I really appreciate what your doing for the people of this city. Really, I am.

Off to look for another job to be able to pay for the increased taxes that are inevitable.
6/21/2012 3:09:08 PM
grumpee says:
Last time I'll ever use these guys!
6/21/2012 3:10:55 PM
big joe mufferaw says:
Don't worry, you won't have to...these guys are going to retire to somewhere warm and dry on their winnings from this one...meanwhile, back in Thunder Bay....
6/21/2012 8:23:36 PM
fisherman says:
What an absolute Joke!!
6/21/2012 3:13:46 PM
ringettemom says:
Suppose for a second it's true, and that negligence was responsible for the sewage backup into thousands of homes. Wouldn't you people on the other side of the fence be just a bit curious as to what really happened, or are you ONLY concerned with yourselves and your taxes going up?
Imagine the city is liable. Don't you think it's fair that people are compensated at all?
6/21/2012 3:16:38 PM
tbaykatrina says:
If this was about getting answers and help for the people who did received damages, a class action lawsuit is not the first option...except if you are a lawyer looking to score 33.3% of the proceeds... do you think THAT's fair compensation?

This city and its citizens pooled together to help lots of people hurt by this disaster. NO ONE wants to see anyone loose out. Neither does anyone want to see someone "strike it rich" because of it ...especially when it comes on the backs of the rest (specifically those who helped in the first place).

Fair... yes, we want fair!
6/21/2012 3:24:34 PM
tiredofit says:
ringettemom, ok, then if that's the case, then every person who's name is on the lawsuit needs to return every penny the city and others have generously coughed up to date for them. All work the city and insurance companies has done on their homes need to cease, they can hire their own contractors etc.. and pay them out of the so called settlement they are going to receive.

You can't have it both ways, sorry. You want to sue, go ahead, its your right, however you need to live with the consequences of your actions.

This is nothing more than a bunch of scum sucking lawyers trying to get rich! You think for one minute they have your best interest at heart? Guess again, it's all about the money, the first drop of water hadn't dried and this guy was circling like the vulture he is.
6/21/2012 3:31:32 PM
hopper says:
I had insurance and have no signed onto a lawsuit.
However.
I have not received a cent of aid, and my insurance company has already told me they will be filing their own lawsuit against the City of Thunder Bay.
If it turns out the city was negligent, by that meaning those in charge of the sewage treatment plant and sewers, then I'm all for it, actually. Perhaps it will help the city run better and force them to address priorities.
Might not be a popular opinion, but it's reality that has to be faced, I could just as easily cry "greed" at people who are more concerned about their own taxes going up than waiting to see what will make things right.
6/21/2012 3:45:03 PM
Tim H. says:
Thats right, you cant have it both ways.

The city has shut up. Why? Because their insurance company and its lawyers advised them to. I mentioned non-disclosure agreements the other day regarding this issue.

Now, you claim that people need to live with the consequences of their actions. You couldnt be any more correct.

In this case the city has a contractual obligation to maintain a finctioning sewage system. A service that is charged for significantly. The city failed to live up to their end of the contract knowlingly. They have publically admitted on many instances of an infrastructure funding gap.

but yet they continue to waste taxpayers money on frivilous items like bent poles at the marina.

thats plain and simple wanton disregard for the citys taxpayers and infrastructure and theres blinking lights to remind us all about it.

So yes, the city in this case will be held responsible for the consequences of their actions.

but its their insurance that will cover it
6/21/2012 3:50:22 PM
joer says:
I put a claim in against the city, and recieved a letter from their insurance board, saying no longer to communicate with the city in regards to my claim. it states the city has to be held liable, which can take 6-8 months. So what do you suppose i do? take my 3 free meals and run? my house has now shifted on its posts, and it was redone in 1999. what do you want me to do? I worked hard to buy my home for my family as a stepping stone to a bigger home. I have put much time and money into making it better in hopes of selling it, making a profit, and moving into a bigger home.
I was informed i probably owe more than what my house is worth right now.....Guess that my action was moving into the east end, so i need to pay for it? my insurance declined my claim, saying that sewer backup was removed, and becuase i bought a vehicle, and declined to go over my house insurance while getting the quote i have nothing to stand on. The city warned us for a week about the flood,yet no1 was on staff?
6/21/2012 5:25:56 PM
advocate says:
$300 million

The costs done to individuals who suffered is not that amount. If it was a more appropriate number, I think we would not be so upset.
6/21/2012 3:43:47 PM
Papercut says:
AND WE NEED A LAW SCHOOL AT LU?!?

Sad, really sad.
6/21/2012 3:24:14 PM
p.o.ed taxpayer says:
These people should be compensated and the real cause should be determined, and if that means the city is somehow liable so be it; however the purpose of this lawsuit wasn't about the truth it was entirely based on opportunism by the lawyers...hell I'd bet the rain hadn't even stopped when the lawyers were rubbing their hands together in glee...wouldn't be surprised that they contacted the bigger firm for advice on this class action from day one....
6/21/2012 3:24:33 PM
Heidi says:
Indeed people should be compensated...with a reasonable amount !! Come on now !!
6/21/2012 3:25:37 PM
fisherman says:
compensated is one thing, but 300 million dollars?????? not to mention all the donations that were made!!! everyone involved in the law suit will become stinking rich!! how is that fair??
6/21/2012 3:32:32 PM
brandnewlow says:
this is ridiculous
6/21/2012 3:40:55 PM
youngintbay says:
I`ve seen these houses in the east end. I dont think there house and sentimentals are worth a million dollars. Pure greed. Awesome T.Bay or I mean East Enders. If you people really thought that it was a good idea to sue give yourself a pat on the back because guess what our taxes will go up so that money that you do get will go right back to the city. Way to think on that one. Good Job everyone.
6/21/2012 3:45:33 PM
brandnewlow says:
not all east enders are on this lawsuit. I live in the east end, my dugout flooded. Im NOT in this lawsuit!
6/21/2012 4:00:43 PM
Tim H. says:
Youre insulting all homes in the East End? How dare you. Sure some are dumps, but theres dumps everywhere in this city. They arent exclusive to the East End. Theres many beautiful homes in the East End. Theres been tons of new construction too.

But tell me, just how greedy is it for the victims of the citys negligence to pursue compensation for their damages, but yet on the other hand its not greed for the city to maintain its share of lawyers and then abide by gag orders?

Is it the victims who are greedy? or is it the citys high paid legal team?

and how many times do you crybabies need to be told that its the citys insurance company who will be on the hook for this, not the city?

the city will have to fork out some, but so did the victims, even the insured ones. Im out my deductible and thousands in other damages beyond insurance's obligations.

So just who is greedy here?

The city will be held responsible for its actions, and rightfully so.
6/21/2012 4:05:21 PM
Basher says:
@nads74...Don't give them any more ideas!

This just reeks of opportunism and perpetuates the public's negative view of the legal profession.
6/21/2012 3:46:58 PM
tbaykatrina says:
Well if this lawsuit goes through (and he wins) I say the rest of the citizens ban togther and file a class action suit against Zaitzeff and recipients...afterall it was "foreseeable" that this lawsuit would unduly burden the rest of the tax base with increased taxes. We should be compenstated for his "mistake" !
6/21/2012 3:50:21 PM
edhtbon says:
Or counter-sue because there was negligence on the part of the people of Thunder Bay in not preparing for the flood as well. Many will say the city failed to prepare... how many home owners out there prepared? How many homeowners invested in backflow prevention? The city shouldn't have to tell you to do so, it should be a common sense investment to safeguard one's own property.
6/21/2012 7:15:54 PM
Tim H. says:
Why didnt the city have backflow prevention? What did they do to safeguard their property? Why was the Atlantic treatment plant ill-prepared to do its contractual duties?

The residents shouldnt have to tell the city to have spill protections in place, thats why we pay them the big bucks.

So who failed whom? Where's the city's common sense? Why did they not have the sewers separated? What is storm water doing in the sanitary system? Why are we paying millions to treat rain water at the plant?

6/21/2012 11:30:23 PM
dad3192 says:
I am by no means belittling the people who suffered so much damage, and hope that everything works out. BUT...Duluth makes our damage pale in comparison. so I vote the lawyers go down there and launch their lawsuit!!
6/21/2012 3:54:09 PM
jubjub says:
Wayne, Lynn and crew - good luck getting any donations. Sad for those affected that aren't part of the lawsuit.
6/21/2012 3:58:20 PM
Heidi says:
Indeed people should be compensated...with a reasonable amount !! Come on now !!
6/21/2012 4:00:47 PM
vimeo says:
Maybe if they let Horizon Wind put the windfarm over there it would have dried up the runnoff.
6/21/2012 4:10:03 PM
panzerIV says:
2013's budget Services cut 80% taxes rise 40%.

300 million, wow. I'm sure you could build a whole new community for these people with like 50 million on higher ground in 200,000 houses.

Perfect time to look out west seems like.
6/21/2012 4:23:09 PM
Tim H. says:
Perhaps now the city will not put stupid grandiose projects ahead of infrastructure?

This city wasted this amount on stupidity in the last decade, now the chickens have come home to roost.

Personally, I think its a great "I told you so" moment. Now they will have to pay for their negligent damages, and to fix the sewers like they should have been fixed 20 years ago.

Goodbye to frivilous spending and dream building.

but say hello to that lump of sewage that beat down this citys door because our mayors, councillors, and administration wanted to pretend they couldnt smell what was at the door.

Im waiting to see what happens at Saturdays meeting. If its not impressive, I will be getting on the lawsuit bandwagon too, as well as many others.

Commisso better be quiet and our elected members better do all the talking for starters. They are directly accountable for their words, Commisso hides from it because we cant fire him like we can with Hobbes.
6/21/2012 4:26:45 PM
baor says:
Ok Ok, we heard you already, get off the soap box. You want a ridiculous amount of money for nothing and want EVERYONE to suffer ... and can only blame "art" that the city and EVERY city spends money on the world over.
If the fire dept fails to save your house when it burns do you sue them? It is their job afterall to provide fire protection. If you get mugged do you sue the police for not solving it? Do you sue the city if on your drive home from work you get caught in a snowsquall and ditch your car?

I live in the city but have a well and a septic field so I do not rely on either the water or sewage treatment plants and was completely unscathed by this once in a hundred year event -- until now.
So get on the lawsuit "bandwagon" now because that is all it is and I doubt the meeting will be "impressive" enough for you judging from the groundwork you've laid out here already.
I will never have any respect for anyone on this lawsuit. $320 million?! Outrageous!!
6/21/2012 7:35:43 PM
eddylives says:
I find it interesting to see the reactions to this topic from the different people out there.
Those directly impacted by the flooding and those that were not involved at all sure do have differing opinions lol.
I have even heard wealthy people complaining about the amount of support being given to the victims.....really sad to see.
The city needs to come clean with how and why this happened and look after the home owners effected in a timely fashion.
Or the people will believe they are going to try and hide facts in the hopes it will go away without compensating anyone.
Either way there is no way people will agree on how this will be resolved so lets just get it done and clean up the mess.
6/21/2012 4:28:53 PM
Sui Generis says:
You've noticed that, too?

Perhaps some of these people might be more empathetic if it had been their priceless possessions and memories hauled out in pieces to a garbage pile. Maybe they'd understand a little better if they were out tens of thousands of dollars, if their property was now worth so much less, if their lives had been so drastically impacted.

And maybe not. Who knows.

6/21/2012 6:03:23 PM
jimmyboy says:
It is lawyers such as these which give the profession a bad wrap all the way around.

When doing the math....at best the average damage and loss to the majority of homes effected would be estimated to be $50,000 each...with exceptions of some depending on the neighborhood...it is obvious they picked the number $300 million out of thin air...and seeing such an inflated figure automatically does not lend much credence or legitimacy to their lawsuit from the get go in my opinion.

So to anyone who is thinking of aligning yourselves with these vultures...maybe you better think twice before signing on the bottom line with these guys...I believe they are as clued out as the day is long when it comes down to appropriate and responsible representation by a lawyer.!
6/21/2012 4:40:08 PM
jonthunder says:
Let's think about it. Citizens and their insurance companies have known about the preventive measures/equipment readily available to protect their properties from sewage back-up and flooding. Some even had their insurance previouisly cancelled for doing nothing. The city knew about the dangers and did nothing that I can see. Why is the average joe blow expected to pay the freight?
6/21/2012 4:44:03 PM
Heidi says:
Indeed people should be compensated...with a reasonable amount !! Come on now !!
6/21/2012 4:44:49 PM
young&concerned says:
Just another highlight of the legacy of Keith Hobbs…Mayor of Thunder Bay. I'm sure when he is done, he will take the time to look back and reflect!
6/21/2012 4:56:01 PM
advocate says:
Honestly, I do not like Hobbs. But what did he do to cause this?

He was not around when the treatment plant was built. He did not make it rain. He did not sue the city.
6/21/2012 5:53:20 PM
Fluffy says:
Greedy lawyers. Here come the tax hikes courtesy of our City Council Clowns. They still gotta get that events centre up!
6/21/2012 5:02:06 PM
Tree says:
What a great way to say thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time and money to help those less fortunate, by suing them!! Where do you think the cash will come from, the TAXPAYERS. That means, you will also be suing yourselves in the end. Good job, SHEEP!!
6/21/2012 5:08:01 PM
Tree says:
News flash..... if you dont have insurance and you are still trying to sue, give it a rest. If not, sorry about your luck... my friends were compensated because they had insurance, why not you??
6/21/2012 5:11:38 PM
Tree says:
If i ever get pulled over for no insurance, i will simply sue the province and the MTO!!
6/21/2012 5:19:50 PM
Winger says:
After all the grumbling here by people who disagree with this lawsuit, I personally have yet to see anyone present a logical reason for anyone not to sue.

As a victim of sewage backup, a responsibility which fell directly upon the city's specified duties, what has the city done for me thus far?

I have insurance so Im better off than some. However thus far the only thing this city has done for me is wave the 3 bag limit for 2 weeks, and provide disposal of my damaged goods.

Thats it.

The city held a meeting at the Slovak. Tim Commisso did all the talking. He promised to hold another meeting on the following Tuesday so we could follow up on our concerns.

That meeting never took place. Tim lied to us again.

So why shouldnt we sue? Im out my deductible. Im out my property value (as you can see people in this thread are already calling the East End a dump, so thanks for helping lend creedence to our damages). Im out untold dollars.

What has the city really done for us?
6/21/2012 5:22:26 PM
Sui Generis says:
Like you, I'm a bit confused as to why people keep screaming about what the city has done for us.

They did send someone to help with my basement through the Safe Home program. It cost them nothing; the company that came here volunteered to do so.

The Red Cross helped my family with emergency clothing, not the city.

The Salvation Army helped us with emergency groceries, not the city.

No, the city hasn't actually helped us at all. And they don't seem to be interested in doing so. The disaster relief fund is going to cover extraordinary costs only, so they're not going to help me recoup even a portion of my losses unless they're deemed necessities. Not the furniture, or the lost wages.

Sorry, but they had their chance.
6/21/2012 7:14:27 PM
Whatever? says:
"I have insurance so Im better off than some." Exactly the point. Like car insurance. Get in an accident...talk about an inconvience etc..Car isn't worth that much..you take the loss. Sad. You didn't pay for all the extra's to prevent your loss.

I know a family who had sewage back up and they don't live in their home anymore because they didn't have the right coverage. They now rent a home. Why are you helping them.

I put a new roof on my home before the hail came. My insurance replaced it because I had hail damage on my new roof. I paid for that service and my insurance didn't go up "1st claim".

Let the insurance companies fight this out. We all suffer some type of loss with insurance companies because we don't pay the extra money for the little extra's.

You never protected your own investment from this type of disaster.

Prior to this disaster what did you do to protect your home. Where's that sewage back up valve?????
6/21/2012 9:49:00 PM
Winger says:
That same argument applies both ways. If the city is underinsured, it takes the loss.

Why didnt they pay those extras to prevent their loss? Why was the city underinsured? Why was the city not prepared to handle their problems, when you tell me Im supposed to be?

The sewage bill is a contract. The city has an obligation to meet. It did not meet it. That makes them responsible. The insurance companys know it too, thats why theyre settling claims so easily. They know they will be getting their money back.

When sewage backs up the way it works is determined by the location of the problem. If the problem resides on your property, its your problem. If the problem exists on city property, its the city's problem.

So, let me ask you this. What did the city do to protect their sewage plant? Where was their contingency plan? Where was their sewage back up valve?

The insurance companys will fight this out, but it doesnt end there. Who covers property value loss? Deductibles? etc..?
6/21/2012 11:22:36 PM
tbayguy009 says:
tofu-dreg project (Simplified Chinese: ?????)

In China, the term tofu dregs (the messy bits left after making tofu) is widely used as a metaphor for shoddy work, hence the implication that a "tofu-dreg project" is a poorly executed project for which the government should accept responsibility.

"…School construction is the worst. First, there’s not enough capital. Schools in poor areas have small budgets and, unlike schools in the cities, they can’t collect huge fees, so they’re pressed for money. With construction, add in exploitation by government officials, education officials, school managers, etc. and you can imagine what’s left over for the actual building of schools. When earthquake prevention standards are raised, government departments, major businesses, etc. will all appraise and reinforce their buildings. But these schools with their 70s-era buildings, no one pays attention to them."

Earthquake of 2008
6/21/2012 5:36:45 PM
tree says:
So, my taxes will go up because people are too cheap to afford insurance?? but im sure they drive brand new vehicles, do they have no insurance on them also??
6/21/2012 5:42:27 PM
Tiredofit says:
Tim H. You keep saying the insurance will cover it all (on the city side) I beg to differ, they will not cover the lawsuit and if I recall the city is also self insured (like every level of government) to a certain point.

The city has shut up as you put it for a variety of reasons, biggest one is they still haven't concluded what exactly caused the flooding. You seem to know already, so, please share you extensive findings, I'm sure we as well as the city administration are waiting with anticipation!
6/21/2012 5:44:01 PM
tbay357 says:
They will never receive anywhere near that amount. Watkins has been suing for millions and settling for few thousands of dollars for years. He represents the lowest criminals and have never heard of him in any major settlements. this will drag on for years with almost nothing paid out to victims.
6/21/2012 5:47:01 PM
brooky says:
An earlier article stated that Watkins and crew partnered with an out of town law firm that are experts in these types of law suits. So why don't the flood victims get together, form a committee and deal directly with these experts themselves, instead of hiring the local rats to collect names? I think a bunch of money could be saved by eliminating the middle man in this case.
6/21/2012 6:00:37 PM
tree says:
because none of the "victims" have a clue to anything, they are simply sheep and are following the smartest people in the group..
6/22/2012 8:57:49 AM
molly says:
Geez people your spouting off like this is a done deal.

First of all no class action suit can proceed without being certified .
Secondly this will take many many years to even see a court room.

If watkins loses( which I see) he will likely not appeal as this would mean time and money for him.
If the City loses you can exect appeals all the way to the SC .

You will be reading about this for 10 years until Watkins loses interest and drops it.

I think he has a lot of people pumped up that are going to be disappointed and likely missing out on the aid offered
6/21/2012 6:15:00 PM
p.o.ed taxpayer says:
Winger says:
"After all the grumbling here by people who disagree with this lawsuit, I personally have yet to see anyone present a logical reason for anyone not to sue".
I for one don't dispute the right of anyone who has been negatively affected by this disaster to file suit. What I don't understand is the rush to get these suits filed. This process will take years to settle and by this firm filing suit before the water stopped falling they have put the city in the position of clamming up. They have no doubt been ordered not to say anything for fear it will be used against them and if they don't follow the advice of legal council they could become liable. As for Watkins and company, they filed suit just to make sure no one got in there ahead of them for this jackpot...I say there is no hurry, give the city a chance and if they don't take care of you then sue...
6/21/2012 6:23:13 PM
foolishppl says:
The storm was natural (aka mother nature). Yes the plant did flood. Ok. and yes peoples houses were flooded. ok. Well how about have the city fix their infrastructure problems with drainage like they said they would with the hard earned tax dollars we are paying already. They said they will put event center on hold and work on city drainage; so let them do that. Sueing the city will solve nothing. It will increase tax dollars for everyone, including the greedy people trying to get a dime of out this lawsuit. If the lawyers win this battle, you poor sobs who are for this silly ordeal will wish you hadnt supported them. Did you not see that 33.3% is going to the lawyers. lol
6/21/2012 6:38:30 PM
Qwibbz says:
I still dont get it. People have no reason living in a house if they cannot afford sufficient insurance. Renters shouldknow of tennants insurance and if not, accept your loss. As these greedy snobs whine about not being covered, why is that?
EVERY SINGLE person involved should be investigated. Why give some shmuck a huge chunk of change for being irresponsible? How many people with no insurance are paying huge data bills on a cell phone? paying for HD cable? Have addiction problems?
If they dont wanna pay house insurance, look into their vehicle (if they drive), Is it insured?
I feel nothing but ripped off by all these fraudulent people.

Take your loss, learn your lesson and prepare for future instead of wasting other peoples tax dollars.

With the lifestyle they choose to live, dont get mad at the lawyers. Its tough living a rockstar lifestyle on only a few 100k a year.
6/21/2012 6:39:04 PM
fooser-q says:
Now I really want to move back out west...$300 million??? Really?? How convenient that the Firm gets 1/3 of that too, and what do they do with that money?

Just think about it Thunder Bay, taxes go up as a result of this suit being filed, you pay the bill, and the Lawyers go on vacation with the proceeds.

Wake up! This has nothing to do with the people, it's just a big money grab!
6/21/2012 6:44:24 PM
foolishppl says:
The storm was natural (aka mother nature). Yes the plant did flood. Ok. and yes peoples houses were flooded. ok. Well how about have the city fix their infrastructure problems with drainage like they said they would with the hard earned tax dollars we are paying already. They said they will put event center on hold and work on city drainage; so let them do that. Sueing the city will solve nothing. It will increase tax dollars for everyone, including the greedy people trying to get a dime of out this lawsuit. If the lawyers win this battle, you poor sobs who are for this silly ordeal will wish you hadnt supported them. Did you not see that 33.3% is going to the lawyers. lol
6/21/2012 6:46:59 PM
or$en says:
it is typical to sue for double what you hope to get
6/21/2012 6:55:29 PM
student21 says:
the victims will get almost NOTHING after the low settlement and the lawyers cut... and will just be strung along by lawyers baiting them with false hopes.... so sad.
6/21/2012 7:06:24 PM
tree says:
At least we will be living is a great city after all this, oh ya i forgot.... it ISNT!!!!
6/21/2012 7:35:11 PM
serena says:
Many of your comments not only on this story but on others leads me to believe that you hate living here....so why don't you leave???
6/22/2012 7:05:13 AM
tree says:
With half the city not having to pay taxes, how much higher will the taxes be for those who actually work and contribute to society instead of just taking from it??
6/21/2012 7:36:28 PM
woodzee says:
It will take a large law firm to handle this case along with expert witnesses. I estimated the lawsuit would be near 150 million in damages and when you add up the labor it would exceed that amount.
6/21/2012 7:44:36 PM
unknowncronic says:
We may have to go back to PORT ARTHUR & FORT WILLIAM if Thunder Bay looses its shirt...

I guess they can always sell the 2 bent poles & bubble art for a few thousand dollars to help recoop some monies?
6/21/2012 8:19:06 PM
big joe mufferaw says:
I wonder if there will be a branch office in Duluth...they couldn't have been tracking their storm either!
6/21/2012 8:30:26 PM
Big Head says:
You want a reason not to sue. Because its simple. Here is all you have to ask each home owner. What did you do to prevent a sewer backup? Did you install a check valve in the drain? No. Now why should you expect money from a lawsuit when you didn't do your own due dilagence to protect your investment? Because the city is at fault. Well then that is equal blame. You have insurance? Yes. What is the deductable? $1000.00 ok. Here's your %500.00 now get out of here! You don't have insurance! You get nothing. You did nothing to protect your home, you get nothing. I can see that going on in court. This should be good. $300M is now 500 bucks. Not worth going to court. Oh! The laywer takes his cut. Now what do you get. Not much!
6/21/2012 9:12:38 PM
punteh says:
$300 million is absolutely rediculous! Where do these people expect the city to get this kind of money from? Do they really think the city will be able to afford to upgrade anything if they have to pay out a rediculous settlement like this? Are these people going to sue the city again when their taxes skyrocket so the city can afford to pay the settlements? These people have just been brainwashed by these greedy lawyers. The only one who is going to win in the end of this is the lawyers because they will be the only ones to gain any money.
6/21/2012 9:28:46 PM
fyema says:
I guess Duluth will also sue the city because their sewage plant wasn't big enough to hold all that rain.
6/21/2012 9:32:39 PM
wayne says:
with all the money that this law firm has taken in over the years, you would think that Zaitzeff could spend a few bucks on a less-frumpy suit, and wear a tie.
6/21/2012 9:45:33 PM
racine says:
Have we become “Americanized “with launching lawsuits at an impulse? I feel empathetic to all citizens who have been affected by this disaster and feel that this is repulsive to be preying on the victims who live in these effected areas. I am disgusted with the Chris Watkins Law Firm to be headhunting these residents at such a devastating time in their lives. Shame on you. Together with city, non profit organizations and all residents we can all come to a solution to help all residents affected. What you are doing is dividing and prolonging change and hope for all.
6/21/2012 9:47:04 PM
thunderbaycouncel says:
It sucks but this is the last time we will here anything at all about this lawsuit because THEY WILL settle out of court. They will not post another thing about this lawsuit. Only the people who get money from this will know anything. Sad but true. Hopefully people remember this and think twice about voting Watkins if he ever runs again for anything. But why would he??? he could finally retire after this.
6/21/2012 9:53:52 PM
Tom Sanderson says:
ROFLMAO! $320,000,000. What a joke.
They won't even get 10% of that. As someone earlier stated it is a scare tactic to get the city to pay up. They all those in the class action will have to fork over some of their new found riches to pay the legal clowns.

$20,000,000 and you could bulldoze the whole East end and rebuild all the houses. I for one will not be loosing any sleep over this.
Good night, enjoy the comedy show.
6/21/2012 10:13:55 PM
Tim H. says:
20 mil will pay for the whole East End? It seems many of you math wizards neglect to add in contents. It wasnt empty houses that got damaged, it was homes. Homes people live in.

Basements are often where things get stored.

So, lets see here. We know 3000 homes were affected. So, if they each had $10,000 in content, that right there is 30 million dollars.

Lets factor in house values too. Lets say theres 700 houses in the East End, valued at $75K each on average, thats $52,500,000.00 right there.

So, tell me again how you can bulldoze the entire East End and rebuild a bunch of empty houses for 20 million?

The only "BULL"dozing is coming from people like you. No wonder youre not losing any sleep over this, you havent given it any serious thought about the damages that have occurred.

Now, if you want to talk total costs.. factor clean up, loss of contents, loss of home useage, expenses, property damage, resale value, weeping tile damage, etc..

it gets up there fast.
6/21/2012 11:43:38 PM
Tom Sanderson says:
Say what you want Timmy boy.
I don't have to give a serious though about what damages occurred from the natural disaster on May 28th. A sewer treatment plant was overwhelmed by a massive amount of rain and high water tables from preceding rains.
I don't give a chit about what is happening because I'm sick and tired of all you greedy, sleaze bags in this city who are scamming every system in place.
By the way, how's that newly shingle roof that was 'wink, wink' damaged by the hail storm last year?
Blaming the city because the treatment plant got flooded is no different that blaming the city because you get into a car accident while driving on a city street.
Suck it up sunshine. Get on the scam wagon before it's to late.
6/22/2012 9:51:14 AM
Tim H. says:
Sucks when you get called out and cant deal with it eh?

Now, hows my newly shingled roof? Well, another thing you dont realize is the East End wasnt hit by the hail storm, that was the North and West ends that got hail and new roofs.

You know whats funny? You just helped show more negligence by the city in your comment. Perhaps you need to realize that rain and high water tables shouldnt have any effect on a SEWAGE treatment plant. Whats rain water got to do with sewage?

You see, in Thunder Bay, the city council wastes its money on art projects and bent, talking, blinking poles at the marina instead of repairing and maintaining their infrastructure.

That federal money was to be used for infrastructure stimulus funding. What did the city do with it? They bought art.

Who is the greedy ones?

So, you continue sucking while the lawyers will be suing. In the end we'll see just how it plays out.

Comments here show why there is a suit.
6/22/2012 12:00:09 PM
tree says:
So, because of comments timmy boy, you are suing?? your own words, lol.. People like yourself make every1 look bad.... It wouldn't surprise me if you aren't trying to defraud your insurance company also.. pathetic
6/22/2012 1:59:56 PM
tree says:
LOL
6/22/2012 2:06:02 PM
wayne says:
"If successful in court, Zaitzeff and his firm will receive 33.3 per cent of the settlement. Zaitzeff said they will give five per cent of that to whatever charity is helping the most needy flood victims at the time."

So in addition to the ludicrous amount that people who join the class action lawsuit would receive, if successful, they will also receive their share of 5% of $100 million, which equates to $5 million spread amongst 300 to 500 homeowners. Roughly $10k per homeowner.
6/21/2012 10:19:11 PM
grs says:
I honestly got a laugh over that one. "...whatever charity is helping the most needy flood victims AT THE TIME." Assuming they successfully sue (I don't think it will go anywhere), years down the road when this is finally played out, who's going to still be helping the most needy flood victims?

That statement means absolutely nothing and the only reason Zaitzeff said it was probably to try to come across as less of an ambulance chaser.
6/22/2012 9:36:48 AM
Urban Guy says:
Lots of statements, lots of guesses and I havent' seen one certifiable fact in all these statements as to the cause of the flooding at the plant. Ministry of Environment has an almost 500 pg 2008 manual on sewage plants. They must be designed to handle a 100 year flood. Simple to figure out, see if accumulated rainfall exceeds that level and there will be the answer of culpability or not. My guess is we received way over the 100 year flood amount. We have the floodway now and it has averted major flooding since it was built. Now go look at pictures of the rivers, Northwood Plaza, Kakabeka falls, Current River Dam. I can't recall ever seeing that much water beore.
6/21/2012 10:22:15 PM
former westfort resident says:
So glad I sold my house and moved. Will be watching this from a distance. Good luck to all involved and all who will be affected in the aftermath. It will be interesting.
6/21/2012 10:34:06 PM
greendreamer says:
If anything good is to actually come out of this devastating event, everyone involved with all politics whether numicipal, provincial or federal, should hopefully re-organize and recognize true priorities.
6/21/2012 10:39:35 PM
tbayfinn says:
What a crock of BS. Sick legal vultures looking to profit from the misfortunes of others. What exactly is bankrupting the city going to accomplish? I'm sure their insurance coverage doesn't reach anywhere near $300 million. The forthcoming disaster relief funds should cover most of people's needs who don't have insurance. Its the insurance companies who need to recoup their payouts not local lawyers.
6/21/2012 10:50:44 PM
wayne says:
Tim H. = Delbert Grady?
6/21/2012 10:58:09 PM
Tim H. says:
LOL!

Im many things, but delbert isnt one of them. In all honesty I dont think he would be arguing in favour of the suitors.
6/22/2012 10:00:18 AM
stuck? says:
I've been thinking this myself for a while ;)
6/22/2012 10:32:16 AM
debt collector says:
Let me sum this up for everyone...
Tbnewswatch.com

6/21/2012 11:02:36 PM
tbay357 says:
wow. people three hundred million is ridiculous. people will be lucky to collect three or four grand. they have six people signed up and trying to get publicity for more. Anyone with any sense will see one of the more reputable firms in town. just cause they were first doesn't mean they are the only option. people are so reactionary. a guy in a wheelchair lucky to get few hundred grand you think a flooded basement will get millions come on.
6/22/2012 12:53:15 AM
Really says:
I really don't understand what the people expect the city to do. Do you want the mayor to help with the clean up. I don't see that type of help in Duluth.

The City can no longer communicate with the public. The lawyers stopped that. 80 mil damages in Duluth.. 320 mil in Thunder Bay????

Why is everyone blaming Hobbs. Why not blame Peterson or all the other mayors.

Discussions are ongoing with the Salvation Army and Red Cross on how the more than $300,000 donated to the organizations can be transferred to the disaster relief fund so that the money can be eligible for two-to-one funding from the province.

Settle down..we feel for you but it happened.

Wow...my house burned down I had to live in my garage till my house was re-built.

Your alive....that's what is inportant
6/22/2012 1:27:10 AM
Escroft says:
If the court rules in favor of this lawsuit, get the H-E-double tetris blocks out of Thunder Bay.
6/22/2012 3:26:04 AM
peas08 says:
Are these folks also receiving flood assistance from the monies raised. If you choose to Sue those other funds and services shouldn't be available to you. You want to be greedy than take your chances never mind taking funds from those who are grateful for what they have.
6/22/2012 8:03:04 AM
Sui Generis says:
No, they aren't.

The Disaster Relief fund isn't able to be accessed yet, and when it is, is for extraordinary costs only. It doesn't cover lost wages, deductibles, etc. It covers what they deem to be 'necessities'.

This is about greed. It's about fair play. If the city is at fault, then the city is responsible financially for fixing it. Victims should not have to beg for their assistance and get turned away.
6/22/2012 9:08:34 AM
tree says:
Tim H, you sure talk big..... but you cant back it up lil guy...
6/22/2012 8:06:45 AM
tree says:
TIm H, its called having insurance and being responsible.... maybe u should look into that concept toughguy...
6/22/2012 8:08:49 AM
moonpie says:
And you talk like you're writing from the detention seat in your grade six class. Get kept after school and feeling a little bored, little girl?
6/22/2012 9:02:18 AM
Sui Generis says:
No, it's called burden of liability. Insurance at this point is irrelevant. :)
6/22/2012 9:05:42 AM
Tim H. says:
I wont have to back it up. The lawyers will.

Internet tough guy, in case you cant read, I'll remind you that I did have insurance.

Insurance doesnt pay for loss of property values and other damages like the anguish the whole East End will have to deal with because of people like you. Will people like you have a hate for citizens of the East End now? Judging by the comments here, it appears so.

Your comments just help reinforce the reasons for these lawsuit figures.

So, how about that responsibility? If its about being responsible, why was the city irresponsible? Why is ok in your eyes for them to experience a failure and not be responsible or be under-insured, but not for the people who pay them to properly maintain and operate a sewage treatment facility?

Every argument blaming people for this can be easily aimed right back at the city. The difference is the city bills for a service it failed to provide.

Which brings us into a lawsuit toughguy.
6/22/2012 10:11:56 AM
tree says:
The lawyers, lol... you mean the ones who are taking advantage of naive, uneducated people like yourself... your a sheep little timmy
6/22/2012 1:17:07 PM
Steven says:
Our city should stick to what it is good at: Big raises for cops and fire fighters every single year, and then spend whatever if left on bent poles. If there still isn't enough, more tax increases. Those are the things our city is good at. Lets stick to those.

Roads, sewers, etc? Our city should just ignore those things to save money, and spend as much as possible on a new events centre. We'll call it the Sewage-dome.
6/22/2012 8:53:52 AM
the bird is the word says:
These people have every right to sue. You pay insurance premiums every month then when you get a claim all you get is deny deny deny! I certainly don't feel sorry for insurance companies. I do feel sorry for the people who have lost their life's work. And if you take 300 million and spread it out over 3000 -4000 effected families it is not as much as it seems. If one child ends up with a disease or cancer from this mess, alone medical bills could be hundreds of thousands of dollars let alone the loss of homes and property values.

The difference between this and other class actions is that Zaitzeff, Watkins and their team are real trial lawyers. This is going to make the insurance companies very nervous. The second thing, is that they are donating a portion of their fee's back to disaster relief. I have never heard of such a similar thing. Perhaps, we should just let them fight it out with the insurance companies who have been over charging and underserving people for decades.
6/22/2012 9:09:39 AM
tbaycommenter says:
Not that much? It's $75,000 - $100,000 each...that's more than most people make in a year.
6/22/2012 2:11:45 PM
tree says:
you are a complete idiot for your remarks!!
6/22/2012 3:02:29 PM
Reignmaker says:
In preparation for the lawsuit, the City will likely have to stop plans to put out money to help the people who need it as it may look like a payoff for silence.

Some insurance companies will not pay out due to a legal proceeding possibly creating a double dipping situation. This Lawsuit will not help the people who need it as that help is needed now, not four years from now.

Meanwhile, everyones taxes go right up and the sewage plant doesn't get updated or properly repaired. Higher taxes with less services will make Thunder Bay just as expensive as other, better, urban areas. Yeah, I don't see people coming here in droves to increase the tax base.

Thumbs up to the lawsuit people who will never see a recoup on the things they have lost.
6/22/2012 9:37:32 AM
grs says:
I'm not for the lawsuit but I think the people signing up on this lawsuit went with the wrong guy. They should have called Jim.

1-800-546-7777

1-800-546-7777

You call....he HAMMERS!!!

The real unfortunate part of this lawsuit is that we'll likely end up watching equally tacky commercials for Watkins Law on CKPR.


6/22/2012 9:51:57 AM
ircorrect says:
It doesn't matter if the City is at fault or not. This lawsuit harms the entire city and benefits a couple lawyers. The plaintiffs being represented won't get much money but they will get a lot of scorn from their neighbors and fellow citizens.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the people involved in this lawsuit are greedy, short sighted, self serving jerks who don't deserve to live in this beautiful city.

Best case scenario for the plaintiffs is that they win, they get a couple bucks, and their taxes go up a couple more just like the rest of us. They don't come out on top like they think they will.

It should be illegal to sue the city as it is a waste of tax dollars. Sue the actual person responsible for the mistakes if they were made. Make that person pay for their decision. Don't make me pay because you lost your stuff. I empathize and sympathize for you, but I had nothing to do with your loss and refuse to accept responsibility by paying for it through a lawsuit
6/22/2012 10:01:18 AM
pippirose says:
The purpose of a law suit should be to make someone whole--recoup losses, not win the lottery! It's the amount of the suit that is utterly ridiculous, and proves pure greed. We have become a society of gluttony, in all aspects.
I'm not even angry at the people who signed the lawsuit--they were in a vulnerable state, when the vultures swooped down and persuaded them to turn the tears in their eyes into dollar signs.
6/22/2012 10:14:00 AM
stuck? says:
"I'm not even angry at the people who signed the lawsuit--they were in a vulnerable state"

That's exactly it. It's impossible to tell somebody not to do something when their world has just been turned upside down like this. It's a crappy situation, and I don't think people are going to be thinking 100% properly and logically based on the situation.

Their minds may be elsewhere, thinking about how they are going to rebuild their lives. All of a sudden, talks about a lawsuit pop up, and it seems like a blessing in disguise...at first.

I can empathize to the best that I can, but honestly can't say I've been through the likes; but just seems like things rolled out way too fast with very little information being given.

The city has shut up for good reasons. The people are suing them; why would they give out any information that may/could/can/will/maybe not possibly incriminate them?
6/22/2012 11:12:18 AM
alleycat says:
I know that the individuals in the East End deserve some sort of compensation, but $300 million I am sorry that is just completely crazy, not to mention the fact that the Watkins company will get $84 million if they win the case. I bet you Watkins retires if this case is won, this is a case of greed and not helping the community. I hope the individuals who signed up for this lawsuit do realize they will receive a small fraction of the money as compared to what the lawyers will receive. There has to be a better way to reach a settlement. I don't even want to know what our taxes will be like if this case is successful.
6/22/2012 10:57:01 AM
Reignmaker says:
In preparation for the lawsuit, the City will likely have to stop plans to put out money to help the people who need it as it may look like a payoff for silence.

Some insurance companies will not pay out due to a legal proceeding possibly creating a double dipping situation. This Lawsuit will not help the people who need it as that help is needed now, not four years from now.

Meanwhile, everyones taxes go right up and the sewage plant doesn't get updated or properly repaired. Higher taxes with less services will make Thunder Bay just as expensive as other, better, urban areas. Yeah, I don't see people coming here in droves to increase the tax base.

Thumbs up to the lawsuit people who will never see a recoup on the things they have lost.
6/22/2012 11:15:09 AM
Reignmaker says:
In preparation for the lawsuit, the City will likely have to stop plans to put out money to help the people who need it as it may look like a payoff for silence.

Some insurance companies will not pay out due to a legal proceeding possibly creating a double dipping situation. This Lawsuit will not help the people who need it as that help is needed now, not four years from now.

Meanwhile, everyones taxes go right up and the sewage plant doesn't get updated or properly repaired. Higher taxes with less services will make Thunder Bay just as expensive as other, better, urban areas. Yeah, I don't see people coming here in droves to increase the tax base.

Thumbs up to the lawsuit people who will never see a recoup on the things they have lost.
6/22/2012 11:44:54 AM
tree says:
Little Timmy H, do you realize that your taxes will go up also?? so in a way you are suing yourself?? or cant you understand how things work?? Sounds to me from others comments that your a joke....I guess its easy to hide behind a computer screen and try to be a big man, lol
6/22/2012 1:11:14 PM
tree says:
So little Timmy H, you are just suing because you are angry at the people who didnt get flooded, you are a complete and utter JOKE!!
6/22/2012 1:13:15 PM
tree says:
The lawsuit people deserve nothing after taking the donations and help from the volunteers just to turn around and sue. Thats why hardly anyone does nice things anymore, it comes back to bite them in the end,. Very sad how some people act
6/22/2012 1:25:21 PM
Sui Generis says:
You can't really be this narrowminded. This is an act, right?

- Not everyone that received volunteer help are suing.
- Not everyone that is suing received volunteer help.
- The volunteer help provided does not let the city off the hook if they are proven negligent.

I'm not sure how a free case of water and eating from a sally ann truck equals compensation for what was lost. I would really love to understand why some of you think it balances the scales.
6/22/2012 1:42:10 PM
tbaycommenter says:
If successful in court, Zaitzeff and his firm will receive 33.3 per cent of the settlement. Zaitzeff said they will give five per cent of that to whatever charity is helping the most needy flood victims at the time.

...WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? 33% of that $300 million is $100 million...which explains the so called "special damages". All these people who need help, and Zaitzeff and his firm will pocket $95 million and give $5 million to charity...why not give it all? Not only that, but honestly....can the city really afford to fork out that much money for this? It was a rain storm...act of nature...it wasn't the city's fault that people's basements got flooded...especially those living on flood planes (East End and Northwood). I do feel sorry for these people, but let's get real here. These people absolutely could not have suffered $1 million each in damages.
6/22/2012 1:30:51 PM
The Badger Mountain Hermit says:
I look at this new Law School and that giant Courthouse, an unhappy place to be, and I wonder what the Oligarchs have in mind for everyone else? A new growth industry that feeds and gets rich from helping perpetuate all of Life's negativities?
6/22/2012 1:40:21 PM
unknowncronic says:
you cant spell

"city funds" without dysfunctional
6/22/2012 6:48:22 PM
edhtbon says:
Zaitzeff says: “But they made mistakes. They failed. Good people can make mistakes.”

Couldn't agree more Mr Zaitzeff, after all you did end up on this planet somehow.
6/22/2012 8:57:27 PM
canrebel53 says:
I think we all know who we can point to for this over priced piece of junk that they call a treatment plant. If I recall Peterson said it was a one of a kind and no other city had one, now we know why. But where the real problem lays, is why in the hell wasn't this plant manned 24/7 from the start.
6/22/2012 11:22:06 PM
Pandora says:
Why is it that there is only $12,000.00 left for the newly formed City Fund Raising Group (with Lynn Peterson front and centre)to work with when the city put $500,000.00 towards sewage relief victims?
May I remind you all, it was during Lynn Peterson's reign when she declared the waterfront her 'number one priority', knowing there was $300 MILLION needed to upgrade water and sewer.
6/23/2012 12:18:06 PM
Missnote says:
What a joke...


This is just insane.... Yes my house had some water damage .. I had insurance...lol its covered you dont see me filing a lawsuit lol... Im sorry but people need to start using their heads and get the proper insurance....Im sure that probably 95% of these people are filign are probably people that had no insurance.....lol

If you win.. please feel free to hand some money over, because Id like to buy a brand new house too...

What a joke.
6/24/2012 1:36:34 PM
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