PROVIDENCE – Local radio station 94 WHJY-FM and parent company Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU) have reached a tentative $22 million settlement of lawsuits brought by victims and survivors of the fatal nightclub fire five years ago in West Warwick, Clear Channel said today.
“Providence radio station WHJY-FM, Capstar Radio Operating Co. and Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc. have tentatively agreed to pay an aggregate of $22 million in settlement of the claims against them in 13 lawsuits filed as a result of the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick,” Andy Levin, chief legal officer of Clear Channel Communications, said in a statement this afternoon.
“The lawsuits, which are currently pending in the federal District Court in Providence, allege that WHJY was partially responsible because its DJ introduced the band the night of the fire. The lawsuits name more than 40 other defendants.
“We continue to be deeply saddened by the tremendous harm suffered by the victims, their families and the community as a result of this tragic fire,” Levin said.
“While Clear Channel had no role in causing or contributing to this fire, we are pleased to resolve these claims – and, hopefully, contribute in some way to a sense of resolution for the affected victims and their families.”
Today’s announcement comes nine days after a similar settlement agreement, for $30 million, was announced by WPRI-TV Channel 12. (READ MORE) The settlement is still subject to approval by the court and the plaintiffs.
San Antonio-based Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU), parent of Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc., is a global media and entertainment company whose properties include local radio stations WHJY-FM, WHJJ-FM, WSNE-FM and WHJJ-AM. For additional information, visit www.clearchannel.com or WHJY.com.
I really find this absolutely ludicrous.
I am from a family of 10. so being a brother, a son , a father & a grand father father, I know what it is to love someone dearly and like most people did that night & still do, I feel deep & very sincere sorrow for each & every one of the people that suffered a loss that night. And yes I would want those responsible to be held accountable. But to sue those who just really shouldn’t be part of this is grasping at every straw a lawyer can get their hands on.
And this is suppose to be in the name of justice?
When are we going stop this, or at least make it very hard to do.
If I introduce a man I work with to my sister, who does a certain service, and he is at her house doing the service & some how she gets killed because of his negligence , am I now to held legally responsible?
If my neighbor buys a new car and recommends the dealership to me, then I buy a car from that dealer on his recommendation, and things go terribly wrong with it while driving home & I veer off the road & kill someone.
Is my neighbor now responsible to ?
This will set the wrong precedent. Anyone who introduces an individual to another will be held responsible if something goes wrong during the relationship , weather on a personal or professional basis. This is wrong and needs to stop.
Lawyers have used the system to manipulate itself.
With large monetary promises of all kinds to powerful individuals & /or politicians who have the power or connections to change policy, we have lost sight of what is wrong and right.
This is wrong, Just wrong!