BREAKING: City finally held accountable for sewer backups in 2004

You will notice that even though the city was insured for these kind of problems, they still had to be taken to court to get the money. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.

For immediate release:

SEWER SYSTEM CLASS ACTION AGAINST CITY OF

SIOUX FALLS SETTLED BY THE PARTIES

The law firms of JOHNSON HEIDEPRIEM & ABDALLAH LLP and HUGHES LAW OFFICE are pleased to announce a settlement in Arneson v. City of Sioux Falls, Civ. No. 05-1713.

In 2007, the Circuit Court in Minnehaha County certified a class action comprised of property owners in Sioux Falls who suffered damage to their homes and businesses in 2004 as the result of the City’s inadequate storm sewer system. Following a notification procedure, 159 class member residents who suffered such damages completed the necessary forms to request inclusion in the class, executed affidavits, and provided documentation detailing their damages suffered in these devastating events.

Attorneys Steve Johnson, John Hughes, Pamela Bollweg, Ron Parsons and Jonathan Krueger have been working with a group of committed class representatives since that time to try to hold the City accountable.

These representatives are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the City and its insurers to settle the certified claims brought against the City.

The settlement creates a fund of $1.95 million dollars that will provide partial reimbursement to the 159 class members that executed inclusion affidavits during the notification process on a pro rata basis.

“In 2004, a group of committed citizens came to me following this disaster,” said Attorney John Hughes. “They wanted accountability and they wanted justice. This settlement represents the fruits of all of their effort and hard work.” These claims are covered by the City’s insurance policies purchased for this type of event and no taxpayer dollars are involved in the settlement.

The settlement, which must be approved by the Court, will be overseen by a consulting firm that specializes in class administration. Should the court approve the final settlement, class members that have previously executed affidavits should expect to receive partial compensation some time this fall.

“This settlement represents a fair compromise, given the complexities involved in the case,” said Attorney Steve Johnson.

“We are pleased that these innocent property owners will finally receive reimbursement for the damages they incurred.”