The Station Nightclub Fire occurred on February 20, 2003, when an indoor pyrotechnic display by the band “Great White” ignited highly-flammable polyurethane foam that covered the walls on and around the stage and drummers alcove. The nightclub was grossly overcrowded. As many as 550 people were present.
Within seconds of ignition, the fire spread to the walls and ceiling producing intense heat, melting and dripping foam, and toxic, black smoke. Within minutes, the entire building was fully involved in the fire. One hundred people died and hundreds more were injured.
As the scope of this tragedy unfolded, it became apparent that a number of negligent and reckless decisions were made that each played a role in how and why the devastating events of that evening took place.
Despite the concerns of many in the legal community that it would be difficult to obtain justice for the Station Fire victims and families, the attorneys of Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. knew that someone had to take the risk and fight for the justice they deserve.
After months of intense investigation and evidence collection, suit was filed against 97 defendants. This was one of the largest and most complex cases ever filed in Rhode Island and, indeed, in the United States.
Attorney Mark Mandell was appointed to serve as Co-Chair of the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in the Station Fire litigation. As the case progressed in Court, Attorney Mandell was also appointed as Chair of the Foam Committee, Chair of the Plaintiffs’ Discovery Committee and Chair of the Plaintiffs Settlement Committee.
For over seven years, the attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. tirelessly pursued justice for our clients. While others thought this case would be too difficult and costly to pursue, we believed it was too important not to pursue.
Ultimately, the Station Fire litigation resulted in a recovery of over $176,000,000 on behalf of the victims and families affected by this tragedy.
