Johnson Abdallah Settles Sewer System Class Action Brought Against City of Sioux Falls
Apr 1, 14
Johnson, Abdallah, Bollweg & Parsons, LLP is 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, Pamela Bollweg, and Ron Parsons 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 substantial reimbursement to the 159 class members that executed inclusion affidavits during the notification process on a pro rata basis.
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 compensation some time this fall.
“This settlement represents a fair compromise, given the complexities involved in the case,” said Steve Johnson. “We are pleased that these innocent property owners will finally receive reimbursement for the damages they incurred.”
