Partial Settlement for Nearly $26 Million in Cook County Fire Case

Press Release, 04/22/2008

            Robert A. Clifford, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the fire that killed six and injured 16 more at the Cook County Administration Building, announced  in court this afternoon an additional $11 million bringing the total to $26 million that includes six defendants in the partial settlements of the cases involving the deaths and injuries of 22 people who were involved in a smoky fire in October, 2003.   The case will proceed to trial Monday against the remaining defendants including the City of Chicago, the building managers of 69 West Washington and general contractors of renovation of the 12th floor.

            It was announced this morning before Judge William Maddux that Cook County’s insurer, CNA, is contributing $9 million to a fund that will be held in escrow to be distributed later to the plaintiffs.  This afternoon Aargus Security Systems Inc. and BGK Security Services Inc. agreed to contribute $11 million.  Three other defendants also announced that they were settling the case that was set to begin today.

            “We are prepared to proceed to trial against the three remaining major defendants, “ said Clifford.  The case is set to proceed to trial at 9:30 a.m. Monday, in Courtroom 2005 in the Daley Center before Judge Maddux.   

            Besides Cook County, the other defendants who settled today are SimplexGrinnell, Competitive Piping, Folger’s Architects and Environmental Systems Design, all relating to the design or construction of the building at 69 West Washington.  The case proceeds against the City of Chicago, 69 West Washington Management and UBM, general contractors of the construction on the 12th floor that took place two years before the deadly fire on Oct.17, 2003.