BRISTOL, Tenn. – Several property owners are suing Aurora Casket Co. after their settlement demand for damages to their homes during a 2006 fire was refused this week by the company’s insurance carrier.
Daniel Coughlin, the attorney representing four property owners, said he will be filing lawsuits in Sullivan County General Sessions Court on behalf of each homeowner.
Coughlin would not disclose the amount of compensation he will seek in court, but he said it will be considerably more than the settlement offer.
"I first met with Aurora officials in November," Coughlin said. "We had been talking, and a settlement demand was on the table. I certainly think the From Page A1
amount we were asking for was very reasonable."
Dave Lane, Aurora spokesman, was not available for comment on Friday.
Indiana-based Aurora purchased the former Cortrim plant in 2003. At the time of the Thanksgiving Day fire, the company was using the 110,000-square-foot plant at Georgia Avenue and Oakwood Street primarily for lumber storage.
The blaze leveled the plant and nearby homes and vehicles were damaged.
"When I heard the news from Aurora’s liability insurance representative, I told them [property owners] we should bring this to court," Coughlin added. "I think we have a good chance."
Ed King, whose home at 1441 Georgia Ave. was badly damaged by the fire, said he was told by the claims adjuster on the case that they "could start cutting checks in a week or two."
That was nearly six months ago.
"I’m still upset," King said Friday. "I was told by Aurora’s owner on the night of the fire that everything would be taken care of. Right up to about two weeks ago, it seemed like we might get a settlement. I guess they changed their minds."
In July, city police investigators announced they could not determine what caused the blaze. The investigation remains open.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement