NY HIGH COURT RULES – UTILITY IS NOT IMMUNE FROM SUIT & HURRICANE SANDY LAWSUIT CAN MOVE FORWARD

Queens, NY – Today the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, handed down a favorable decision allowing dozens of Rockaway residents and business owners to continue their claims against Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and National Grid for property damages sustained during Hurricane Sandy.  Despite overwhelming evidence forecasting unprecedented storm surge and damage to the New York region, LIPA and National Grid failed to cut off electrical power to the Rockaway Peninsula in advance of the storm resulting in the wide-spread devastation caused by electrical fires in Breezy Point, Rockaway Park Park, and Belle Harbor.

“Just like Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Rockaways, LIPA’s repeated attempts to block this case from moving forward has ravaged the families and businesses who simply want their day in court,” said Eric K. Schwarz,  Esq. of Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., counsel for more than 40 resident and business owners from the Rockaway Peninsula pursuing claims for damages.  “LIPA’s failure to de-energize the peninsula destroyed homes, businesses and peoples’ lives.  Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction for our clients and all those who are seeking some sort of closure on this issue so they can finally try to move on with their lives as best they can.”