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Stark & Stark's Community Association Group Secures Settlement on Behalf of Condominium With Troubled Fire Suppression System

Stark & Stark recently secured a large settlement on behalf of a 372 unit Edison, New Jersey  condominium, which was burdened with defective fire suppression system components that were also improperly installed. The condominium was represented by Stark & Stark Shareholders David J. Byrne and Thomas J. Pryor.

In 2002, the condominium hired Apex Fire Protection Company to replace defective Omega sprinkler heads that were recalled. In order to connect the replacement heads with the existing fire suppression system, Apex utilized a brass coupling, intended to connect the new head with the existing assembly that was manufactured overseas and distributed by Fire Protection Products, Inc. The Association began to experience leaks almost immediately after installation and its experts established that the couplings were defective (having been manufactured with low quality metal) and that Apex’s workers had installed them improperly. 

Before going to trial Apex and Fire Protection Products agreed to settle for a total payment of $750,000.00. The final recovery for the condominium was $810,000.00 with the addition of settlements reached with other less responsible parties.
 

Full post as published by New Jersey Law Blog on February 12, 2009 (boomark / email).