$10M Mall Collapse Lawsuit Settlement Reached After Lengthy Battle
After a lengthy legal battle spanning nearly 14 years, a $10 million settlement has been approved for victims of the Algo Centre Mall collapse in Elliot Lake. This tragic incident occurred on June 23, 2012, leading to the deaths of two women and injuries to 19 others.
Judge Approves Settlement
Justice Benjamin Glustein confirmed the settlement during a two-hour Zoom hearing. He remarked that while this resolution won’t alter the past, it offers a measure of fairness and closure to those affected.
Distribution of Funds
Approximately 300 individuals will benefit from this settlement. The total anticipated amount for distribution is around $6 million, after covering legal fees and administrative costs.
- Dead and injured: 2 killed, 19 injured
- Estimated funds available: $6 million
- Claimants: Approximately 300 people
Class-Action Plaintiffs
Jack and Elaine Quinte, owners of Hungry Jack’s restaurant in the mall, serve as lead plaintiffs. Elaine was injured in the collapse, and both expressed their emotional journey throughout the process. Elaine reflected on the difficulty of living in Elliot Lake during the prolonged lawsuit.
Background of the Collapse
The class-action lawsuit alleged negligence by multiple parties, including the mall’s owners and city inspectors. A significant point of contention was the engineering firm that had deemed the mall safe just months prior to the disaster.
Settlement Breakdown
The total settlement amount includes a resolution of a lawsuit from Foodland, one of the mall’s anchor tenants. The breakdown of payments by different parties is as follows:
| Party | Amount |
|---|---|
| City of Elliot Lake | $3.5 million |
| Algoma Central Properties | $2 million |
| Eastwood Mall Inc. | $1.745 million |
| Retirement Living and NorDev | $1 million each |
| M.R. Wright and Associates | $730,000 |
| Province of Ontario | $400,000 |
| Coreslab Structures (Ont.) Inc. | $225,000 |
| James Keywan | $175,000 |
Despite the substantial settlement, none of the defendants are admitting liability. Legal representative David O’Connor highlighted the significant time and effort expended by the legal team, noting their fees amount to nearly $3 million.
Expectations for Future Rulings
Justice Glustein is expected to issue a written ruling outlining the settlement details. This includes the potential awarding of a $15,000 honorarium to the Quintes for their dedication to justice during this ordeal.
The inquiry into the collapse determined that the parking structure had structural defects from the day it opened. Over the years, inadequate design and waterproofing led to corrosion that ultimately caused the failure of the mall. The report emphasized that the collapse highlighted human failures more than material ones.
This settlement marks a significant step toward justice for those affected by the Algo Centre Mall collapse. For additional updates and information, visit Filmogaz.com.
