Sofa Store Wants Charleston Listed in Suit

Aug. 3, 2009
Attorneys for the Sofa Super Store where nine Charleston firefighters died more than two years ago want the city of Charleston made a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Attorneys for the Sofa Super Store where nine Charleston firefighters died more than two years ago want the city of Charleston made a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Attorneys for the Sofa Super Store where nine Charleston firefighters died more than two years ago want the city of Charleston made a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.

CHARLESTON, S.C. --

Attorneys for the Sofa Super Store where nine Charleston firefighters died more than two years ago want the city of Charleston made a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.

The store is already a defendant in the suit by the survivors of eight firefighters. Store attorneys say in court filings the city was "grossly negligent" and "reckless" about the safety of its firefighters in the June 18, 2007, blaze.

City attorneys have moved to dismiss the request they be added to the lawsuit. They say the city can't be made a defendant, in part because death claims have already been settled under workers' compensation.

The families of the nine firefighters have each received up to $775,000 from workers' compensation and a public fund. A hearing is set for Monday.

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