The representative plaintiff in a certified class action arising from a 2010 apartment building fire brought a motion for approval of a negotiated settlement and approval of class counsel’s fees under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992.
The settlement required the defendants to pay $5.5 million to resolve all claims by class members for property damage, personal injury, displacement, emotional distress, and related losses, together with $1.4 million toward legal fees and disbursements.
The court considered the established criteria for settlement approval in class proceedings, including the likelihood of success, the extent of discovery and investigation, the recommendation of experienced counsel, the absence of meaningful objections, and the arm’s‑length nature of the negotiations.
The court concluded the settlement was fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class.
The court also approved class counsel fees totaling $1,150,000 as reasonable given the litigation risks, complexity, and results achieved.
