Personal Injury Law

The fire that killed 100 people in 2003 at a Great White rock show in Rhode Island has seen another chapter close. Foam manufacturers including Leggett & Platt, Inc. and Wm. T. Burnett & Co. have agreed to pay $30 million to settle lawsuits brought by survivors and family members of those killed at the Station night club. The amount of payments now exceeds more than $100 million and includes past settlements with well-known companies such as Home Depot and Clear Channel Broadcasting, as well as several fireworks manufacturers. These latest settlements must now be approved by those who have sued, as well as the federal judge overseeing the case.

The fire began just as Great White started when flammable egg crate foam on the walls and ceiling were touched off by on-stage pyrotechnics. The foam was meant to soundproof the nightclub. While it is not clear which company made the foam, the club owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, bought it from American Foam Corp. American foam has also been sued.

The survivors and family members of victims' lawsuit allege the foam was sold without any flame-retardant and that toxic smoke and gases were produced when it caught fire. The lawyers contend the companies failed to satisfactorily test their foam before being distributed and sold, as well as failing to let users know of the foam's danger.

Great White's former tour manager Daniel Biechele, who lit the pyrotechnics, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of manslaughter and spent 22 months in prison. The Derderian brothers both pleaded guilty to the same charges. Michael Derderian is currently serving four years while his brother, Jeffrey, was spared jail time.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to another's negligence, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in your area.