A Windsor law firm intends to launch a class action lawsuit against the owner of Westcourt Place on behalf of the building's displaced residents.
Strosberg, Sasso, Sutts LLP is stepping in to launch the legal action in what the firm says is a move to protect residents' rights after a fire on Tuesday left more than 200 residents homeless.
That's after several residents expressed interest in litigation according to Senior Partner Harvey Strosberg.
He says the class action suit will cover anyone who may have been affected by the closure.
"Tenants, people that lived with the tenant or guest; then people that have a commercial office," says Strosberg, who goes on to say it will include those who have missed court dates as well. "Lost their time in court and have to go back, maybe have to pay for another lawyer for a second attendance."
Westcourt Place at 99 Chatham St E is still closed to tenants and business owners following the Tuesday morning car fire that sent thick, black smoke billowing into downtown Windsor.
He says tenants of the building will be part of the suit unless they say otherwise.
"They're in the class unless they opt out of the class," he says.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal needs to conclude its investigation and regulatory agencies need to give the necessary approvals before the building can be re-occupied, but that won't be until Saturday at the earliest.
Strosberg tells AM800 News the suit will be filed Monday morning.
A webpage has been launched for those who are interested in participating or opting out of the suit
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi and CTV Windsor.