CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Four firefighters are suing the Sofa Super Store saying they've suffered from numerous ailments since nine of their comrades died in the blaze on June 18, 2007, according to The Charleston City Paper.
Firefighters Matthew Roberts, Gary Taylor, Eric Croft, and Edward Jones III filed the lawsuits, seeking compensatory and punitive damages, claiming the tragic incident caused post traumatic stress syndrome and depression, among other disorders.
In two of the cases, the firefighters' wives are named as co-plaintiffs and contended they've suffered mental anguish, terror, suffering, and injuries since the night of the blaze, according to the report.
In addition to the Sofa Super Store, the defendants in the case include its owners and several furniture manufacturers.
The suits blame the Sofa Super Store for illegal modifications that allowed for the rapid spread of the fire through, as well as the use and installation of highly flammable roofing and ceiling components.
The suits also fault the store and the manufacturers for the use of "unreasonably dangerous and highly flammable" materials in their products.
The firefighters were in close proximity to the building when the roof collapsed and suffered injuries, extreme fright, shock, anxiety and mental distress when it occurred, according to the suits.
