One hundred and twenty more residents of Breezy Point have filed suit against LIPA and National Grid, alleging the companies' failure to turn off power to the area during superstorm Sandy led to fires that devastated the waterfront neighborhood.
It's the second set of suits filed in the case. Earlier this year, a law firm representing 18 residents filed suit against the utilities, making similar allegations. Another 20 residents have signaled their intention to file suit, bringing the total to 158.
The latest set of suits, filed in State Supreme Court in Queens, don't specify damages, but lawyer Keith Sullivan, of the firm Sullivan & Galleshaw, said claims are likely to exceed $80 million.
LIPA and National Grid, he charged, "chose to ignore safety protocol and endangered customers. They did not de-energize the grid to the Rockaways even though they knew a tremendous storm was coming."
But LIPA spokesman Mark Gross said, "The actions taken during Sandy were reasonable and appropriate, and we do not believe the claims have merit."
Much of Breezy Point, a waterfront Rockaway peninsula community, was leveled by fire in Sandy's wake, with more than 160 homes destroyed.
Dozens of Breezy Point residents in January filed notices of claim against LIPA, signaling their intent to file suit based on losses tied to fires they allege were electrical in nature.
Andrew Carboy, a lawyer at Manhattan law firm Sullivan Papain, said his firm filed the first set of Breezy Point lawsuits against LIPA, National Grid and others about two months ago. He said he has filed notices of claim for 20 others.
LIPA was also hit with a second set of lawsuits taking issue with its response to the storm throughout Long Island. Those separate claims have been consolidated in State Supreme Court in Mineola.
A National Grid spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sullivan said damages being sought in the latest suits would help residents rebuild homes -- efforts that have stalled, he said. "People haven't been able to rebuild yet," he said. "There's a whole quagmire they are stuck in." ___
Visit Newsday at www.newsday.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
