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(New York - WABC, November 13, 2007) - The families of the two firefighters killed in the Deutsche Bank fire notified the city and city officials Tuesday that they will be the target of a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
The lawyers filed a notice of claim against New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Eliot Spitzer, former Governor George Pataki, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, LMDC Chairman Avi Schick and LMCCC Executive Director Charles Maikish.
The amount of the suit is reportedly in the multi-million dollar range.
The firefighters, 53-year-old Robert Beddia and 33-year-old Joseph Graffagnino, died in the August 18 fire.
Graffagnino's wife, Linda, could seek up to $150 million in damages for herself and the couple's two small children, according to her attorney, John Meringolo.
"We took a step today to preserve the rights of Linda and her children," Meringolo said.
Beddia's sister, Barbara Crocco, filed a claim for $30 million, but that amount may increase.
An investigation by the city revealed the contractor in charge of demolishing the Deutsche Bank building was cited for numerous safety violations, and the fire department was not carrying out inspections.
"The claims arise from the reckless, willful and wanton actions and inactions of respondents, their agents and employees in supervising and failing to supervise the building's dismantling and remediation," according to the notice.
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