Kenneth M. Mollins, P.C., Parker Waichman LLP and Douglas & London are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of business owners who suffered financial and economic damages from loss of power following Storm Sandy. When
the storm hit, nearly 8.5 million homes and businesses lost power, with 2
million occurring in New York alone. The loss of power from the storm has impacted many businesses who were unable to reopen for a protracted period following the storm. The Long Island Power Authority, also known as LIPA, has been severely criticized over its inadequate preparation and response to the storm.
If your business suffered losses in excess of $100,000 as a result of the power outage, our attorneys would like to assist you. Call our LIPA claims hotline at 800-800-2828 today for a
free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
How Power Outages Affect Businesses
Naturally, the loss of electricity prevents businesses from operating, resulting in lost revenue and other financial losses. Power outages can also result in damaged equipment from the loss of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating. It can also cause damage to batteries through over drainage.
Timeline of LIPA's Issues leading up to and following Storm Sandy
| Date |
LIPA Actions |
| 2007: |
The Pole Wrap and Reinforcement Programs at LIPA become inactive. The last spending noted in the review of the Capital Budget was $32,000 in 2006; there was no budget or spending through 2011. |
| 2008: |
LIPA’s Structural Inspection/Enhancement Towers/Poles Program was put on hold in 2008 pending the outcome of a pole replacement study. Funds were budgeted in 2010 but they were subsequently deferred to 2011. The plan was again deferred in 2011. |
| 2011: |
Vantage Energy Consulting LLC (Vantage) was retained by the New York Department of Public Service to review the storm response following Tropical Storm Irene on Long Island. Among the many deficiencies, it found LIPA’s vegetation management particularly flawed. Specifically, It found that a six foot clearance around distribution facilities is used in LIPA’s service territory. This is well below the industry standard of a ten-foot clearance to either side of the pole and/or maintenance of conductor with ground-to-sky clearance. Additionally, it found that there was no proactive and consistent tree trimming cycle for distribution circuits in LIPA’s service territory.
|
| Days Before Sandy |
LIPA trustees met for over two hours to discuss various issues as the weather forecast regarding Sandy became increasingly urgent. According to the New York Times, the storm was discussed for less than a minute. |
| Oct. 29, 2012 |
Hurricane Sandy strikes the east
coast, causing 8.5 million power outages across multiples states. This includes
2 million power outages in New York alone. Some 90 percent of LIPA’s 1.1
million customers are left without electricity |
| Nov. 13, 2012 |
Under the Moreland Act, New
York Governor Andrew Cuomo signs an Executive Order establishing a commission
to investigate and report any wrongdoing.
After 12 years with LIPA, Chief Executive Mike Hervey resigns.
Over 10,000 LIPA customers still do not have power.
|
| Nov. 14, 2012 |
LIPA and Con Ed confirm receiving subpoenas from New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who is requesting company records regarding restoration of power, communication with customers without power and other responses. |
Team Of Attorneys Files Class Action Lawsuit Against LIPA
A Class Action lawsuit has also been filed against LIPA alleging gross neglect to its customers. The suit was originally filed by Melville attorney Kenneth Molins, who has since enlisted Parker Waichman LLP, the largest personal injury firm in Long Island and Douglas & London, one of the largest personal injury firms in Manhattan to join him in seeking justice for these victims. Together, the law offices of Kenneth M. Mollins P.C., Parker Waichman LLP and Douglas & London represent victims who suffered significant and unnecessary power outages due to LIPA’s lack of preparation for, and inadequate response to, Storm Sandy.