Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Still suing the wrong people? Tisk tisk.

I bet the plaintiffs lawyers are banking on a settlement out of court, which will never happen. In fact, don't be surprised if and when you hear the plaintiffs have to pay all legals fees and other cost of the defendents.

Frivolous lawsuits always clogged up the courts. But suing Riley and the City of Charleston would survive a motion for dismiss and summary judgment.

Firemen killed in the 'line of duty' - in a scene smothered in total KAOS - run by incompetent leadership - using techniques and equipment older than some of those actually fighting the blaze.

****************************************
"Jean Dangerfield, French's sister, said her family filed the lawsuit in hope of bringing about changes that will prevent similar tragedies."
****************************************

MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY. EVERYONE WANTS MONEY.

I hate liars.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SECTION 16-17-10. Barratry prohibited.

The crime of barratry shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment of not more than two years, or both.

SECTION 16-17-20. Persons convicted of barratry shall be barred from practice of law.

Posted by wpc3iop on July 8, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Greed, greed, greed...what a shame. By the way, start by killing all the lawyers!

Posted by scnative4ever on July 8, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Obsolutely it's GREED. The families should give back all the money that was donated by caring compassionate people that wanted to help the families of the brave 9. They did. They are paying their attorney fees so they can sue and get more money. I am very disappointed in the families. If they win big settlements they should pay back the money that was donated to them.

Posted by ironhorse on July 8, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don’t think there is a need for ANY further litigation…..but why the furniture manufacturers?

Are we supposed to expect furniture won’t ignite? Where can I buy furniture that Fred Flintstone had in his home…maybe the garden center at Wal Mart.

Posted by charlestonpride on July 8, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I did not donate a single penny. They have life insurance policies and if they didn't....shame on them.
I KNEW THAT THE FAMILIES WERE GOING TO SUE ANYONE THAT THEY EVEN THOUGHT WOULD GET THEM A DIME.

Posted by msplacedinsc on July 8, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Had I known 8 out of 9 families would sue I wouldn't have given a dime to any of them out of the saddness in my heart. It's a dam shame!

Posted by Early on July 8, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I were them I would sue as well. I have told this story but it bears telling again. My wife and I were in that store two weeks prior to the fire. Those who know me know that I am very safety conscious and when I went into that store and looked around, I was amazed at the unsafe conditions for the customers and employees. The fumes from the upholstery treatment, which are flammable were over whelming, there were no clear isles or paths. It reeked of mold and must. The second front door was chained and locked. IT WAS A FREAKING DEATH TRAP!!!!!. I told my wife and kids, let's get out of here NOW! This is not a BS story, it is the truth. The owner of that store HAD to know the conditions of that place and look at his other two stores. The business owner is not that stupid but cheap!

Posted by tbird on July 8, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Attorneys will receive 33% of the settlement.

It all comes down to $ as was mentioned earlier.

The Goldstein family with their holdings in the store, Sticky Fingers, and personal real estate will be wiped out.

The attorneys will probably be able to pierce the corporate veil.

Posted by drp7773 on July 8, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sue the people that made the furniture? this would be the same as falling down in Burger King and suing the companies that make the drink cups.......These people and the lawyers are jokes, it's all about the money now they will cry all the way to the bank hell of a legacy for these firefighters....

Posted by shoelaces on July 8, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We all knew there would be lawsuits as soon as this tragedy happened. I am not in the shoes of any of the grieving wives, parents, or children so I have no way of knowing how they feel. I can say that if I thought my spouse's life or my child's life was taken needlessly and someone may have been at fault I would pursue it. It would make me feel that life hadn't been wasted.

I do recall a story over the one year anniversary about one family using some of the money they were given to purchase respirators or some type of equipment for the volunteer fire department their son worked at. I think it was Brandon Thompson but I could, and probably am wrong on that one. I thought that was a very selfless thing for them to do. I don't know how much money they received in all.

Think about where you are in your life right now. If you are the main breadwinner how would your family fend without you. Assuming you have enough life insurance maybe they will be OK for awhile. Any service worker should have adequate life insurance and if they don't then they are foolish. Think about your mortgage payment, car payment, other debts you may have. Can your family get along without your salary? And if so , for how long?

I am not saying they should be walking around with dollar signs in their eyes. I am just sitting here trying to imagine how they are getting along without that person.

Posted by desspec on July 8, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

... and to think I was called "cynical" for merely questioning whether more would sue, ... mmm, mmm, mm.

Posted by ColdBeer on July 8, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Going after the SSS and NOT going after the City of Charleston is just plain stupid.

These articles always read like a Money Man Pawn Shop commercial...

Cha-Ching!

Posted by CaptPete on July 8, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another set of greedy family members. This type of thing make public service workers look bad. It will hurt the next time someone gets killed or hurt as far as donations.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 8, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't agree with going afte the furniture makers. I do, however, agree that if the store management knew that there were safety issues that were being ignored, then they should be sued into the ground. I have been in places where fire safety was ignored. You just can't put safety on the back burner and forget about it.

Posted by Early on July 8, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This amazes me. If you went to,,,,let's say Six Flags and your family member got killed over a condition that was unsafe, would you sue? I think after your grievance period, you would sit down and look at the facts of what happened and how they could have been avoided. You would sue!
Now suing because your kid got fat at McDonalds, that's BS but I feel this is a legitimate suit.
Or, worked at Bosch and you family member was killed by unsafe working conditions, same scenario.
And Coldbeer is right, they should also go after the city.

Posted by ThinkAboutThis on July 8, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Greedy, greedy, greedy!

What about every other public servant and military officer who risks their lives every day!

Lawsuits and greed what a terrible way to memoralize a loved one!

Posted by shoelaces on July 8, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early:

Funny you should mention Six Flags. Has the family of the kid who was decapitated filed suit yet? That shouldn't be too far off.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on July 8, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ironhorse - A lot of times lawyers have to go after what they call a third party-thats why the furniture manu. is being sued.Early-You took the words out of my mouth!I remember you posting that story and it stuck with me.As a matter of fact,when you last posted it several people chimed in with similar stories.People are so quick to scold others for suing claiming theyre greedy.Well if it were their family member who died due to someone elses blatant negligence-they would sue.I agree-its not like suing BK cause you're a lard a s s.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 8, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hear me out first....

I would sue. (These 2 boys were best friends and these families know exactly what they are doing))

Here is my reason: These families have held off for over a year with no lawsuit in hopes that the death of their loved one would be enough to initiate a change. It has not been enough. The lives lost mean nothing to these owners. All they love is money. So, take away their loved ones.

There is a strategy behind this...sue the furniture makers and who will the furniture makers turn the blame on? The SSS owners! Then you have another person in the fight against unsafe conditions. They WANT the furniture makers to fight back, then more facts about the unsafe conditions in the store will come out. Smart move if you ask me.

Their tears and cries for help alone have not drawn the safety results they were hoping for. So, they bonded together to come up with a strategy to insight change.

Why not sue the city? Because it REALLY IS NOT about the money. They don't want the taxpayers money. They don't really want money from the furniture makers, they just want the death of their loved ones to save another person from grief. BUT, that is difficult considering the owner of SSS is seeing dollar signs. Lets take the dollar signs away and see if maybe he can see a little more clearly what his greed has caused.

Read this twice before you comment. It will all make sense to you. Walk a mile my friends....

Posted by ptmama73 on July 8, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Jean Dangerfield, French's sister, said her family filed the lawsuit in hope of bringing about changes that will prevent similar tragedies." How does suing furniture manufacturers bring about changes to prevent similar tragedies?

Does she not think the other lawsuits would accomplish this supposedly "pure" motive? She is a liar...just call it what it is - greed! Be honest and say "I want on the same gravy train as the others".

On the other hand, Suing SSS (for their violations), CCFD and Chas. Co. would bring about changes to prevent similar tragedies.

Posted by summerville_guy on July 8, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's been over a year now. I am so sick of hearing about this fire.

Posted by ColdBeer on July 8, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

carolinamommyof4, had the CFD not entered the SSS, the SSS could have burned to the ground (as it ended up doing anyway) and not one person would have been killed. Yes, the owner of the SSS is screwed up and he should be held accountable for the violations at the store. The violations did not kill the firefighters though. The CFD leadership, tactics, lack of equipment and training are the things that killed the firefighters. I have no problem with the families wanting to sue, but if they don't include the city in the law suit, it's a bad suit.

Posted by Eyes_N_Skies on July 8, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pick meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 4 daaaaaaaaaaa Jury! I won't award deem greedy slimiezzzzzzz a frickenn dimeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by LadyTarHeel on July 8, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

shoelaces: Interesting you should ask about the boy who decapitated at Six Flags. I heard on the news a few days ago that the family had hired an investigator to look into what happened. I don't think there is a need for a suit in that case since he did climb 2 fences. It's sad that it happened by it was 100% preventable.

It's sad that the families feel they need to sue to get changes in the department. Coldbeer, I understand where you are coming from. If it were me (and thank god it isn't), I would target the City of Charleston because ultimately it was there negligence that resulted in the deaths of 9 men. Sure, the store owner didn't follow safety codes and should be held accountable; however, if he is held accountable, the city should be as well.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 8, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see your point ColdBeer and thank you for making this a mature discussion. I don't know exactly why they decided not to sue the city. I assume it is because they didn't really want to take any more money away from the fire station funding. That would be defeating their purpose. So I think maybe they are stuck between a rock and a hard place concerning that subject.

ptmama73 ~ I know Jean French personally and I am giving a completely object comment here. I do see that possibly SOME firefighters families MAY have seen dollar signs. I can assure you that is NOT the intent of the French family. She is ot a liar.
Sometimes you have to think outside the box. I live across the street from her. You should see her children riding around in their little battery powered fire truck. Honestly, she just wants to make her Bubba proud.

Posted by eatmorecollards on July 8, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps they are not suing the city becouse they can't. Lots of our laws go back before we had indenpendence from England. Some of our law is still based on Queens Law. One of the Queens Laws was that you cant sue the Queen. This law was carried over to cover sueing the government. Once the different types of insurance the government entity carries to cover this type of thing is depleted its all you can get.

Posted by shoelaces on July 8, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Knowing what these firefighters do for a living and how dedicated they are to saving lives, do you really think they would have stayed out of the SSS and let the one person inside die? Can you imagine the uproar then when our Chief decided it was too dangerous to send in people and let someone burn to death? Just a scenario to ponder.

I don't know who is to blame or be held accountable. I do know people are still hurting from this and are bound and determined to make sure their loved ones didn't die for nothing.

LadyTarHeel - I was really joking about the 6 Flags thing!!! But it doesn't surprise me someone would have to look into it and make sure their child wasn't at fault.

Posted by dadsemt on July 8, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

carolinamommyof4, it's not about money with the City of Charleston, it's about power. The mayor, fire chief, and departments in the City that are to inspect all feel that they are untouchable. Suing the City does not have to be over money, it should be done to get them off their power kick.

Everyone else, Suing the manufactures and the store is not a bad idea. I know that antique furniture, when on fire, emits little to no smoke. The foam they use now is full of chemicals and emits a dark, black, smoke. Finding a way to make furniture safer is why they should sue. As for the store owner, he got away with what a lot of other business in Charleston get away with. No inspections = unsafe conditions.

Citizens in the City of Charleston should impeach the mayor, charge the fire chief with involuntary manslaughter, and force the departmetns who enforce the rules to do their job. Firefighting is hard enough, bad leadership makes it harder. The City of Charleston needs their day in court. I know the families do not want to sue the City, but that is what it's going to take for them to realize that they need changes; not only in the Fire Department, but in building and codes, fire inspections and planning department.

Oh by the way, how can the Fire Department collect 1% monies when the fire inspections are not done. If htey were done, then the additions would have been noticed, blocked/locked aisles and doors would have been found, and the buildings design and contents noted for the department.

So I would hope the families sue, not for money, but to get rid of the power hungry people in charge and to force change.

C9

Posted by oldglory on July 8, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not knowing, but wondering if Charleston/County/State might operate under sovereign immunity? Other states depend on this law.

Posted by RetUSN on July 8, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

Military families lose loved ones everyday from providing our families here safe in the USA safety and freedom and when they get killed. Their families get $200K. How much money is enough. Life goes on many military families are from out of state they must not only deal with the loss of a loved one, they must move on limited funds/family.

These brave 9 gave their lives in something they loved were trained on and had the proper equipment. It's easy to say how they lacked training, equipment after the fact. But that's life and in life people get killed or severly injured.

Everyday people die. Most don't want to go but that's life. Ask them or the kid at 6 flags.

These suits are nothing more than extorting funds from any company that their lawyers think they will get money out of.
(By the way lawyers could get 40% if they do a good job)

The reason they use is that they'll be able to prevent another mishap is like saying you can predict the next powerball numbers.

Many times we've heard from firefighters about how unsafe the SSS it was. They work in the same department that the Fire inspector worked. Why didn't they use their influence to get him to inspect and get the building fined or shut down until it is up to standards.

They also say they lacked equipment and training. Why didn't they use there fire department union or the media?

Leadership comes from within - from the 1st day fire recruit to the Chief.

Posted by charlestonpride on July 8, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They aren't suing the city because there is a "cap" on the amount of money that can be recovered. They want "big" money, not petty cash. Suing SSS won't change the way the city runs the FD. Getting rid of the "people" in the city that have been wearing blinders for too many years will make a change. If the families are only suing for "principal" then they will give back the MILLIONS that were donated and settle with SSS.

Posted by frenchsmom on July 8, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YOU CAN CALL MY DAUGHTER A LIAR ONE MORE TIME AND I HOPE THE WALLS OF HELL FALL ON YOU. It's easy for people hiding behind screen names to voice their assinine opinions, at least when you hear from us you know who you're talking to. You don't know what other areas we're working to have changed. You don't know crap. Do you really think that any amount of money can compensate for the loss we have all endured? Tisk Tisk back at your stupid opinion. Bash who you want but DON'T CALL MY DAUGHTER A LIAR. You don't even know us all you know is the crap you read.

Posted by desspec on July 8, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said, Navy. Seems odd NO ONE has made a to-do about finding THE PERSON who STARTED the fire ...

Posted by frenchsmom on July 8, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FYI the French and Thompson families are the ones who donated thermal imaging cameras to some depts who didn't have $16,000 per camera laying around to provide their departments with that type of vital equipment.

Posted by ThinkAboutThis on July 8, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what from the millions others donated to ya?

Posted by georgebushsux on July 8, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the eight of the nine families I gave my hard earned money to out of sorrow, could you please give me back the fifty dollars, so I can give it to say a homeless person instead? At least they would appreciate it more than a greedy, self-serving people who didn't think the money the COMMUNITY gave them was enough!

Posted by sterling2recon on July 8, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont think that "wishing the walls of hell" is the right way to handle this matter. I understand that calling your daughter a liar is wrong, but your verbal attack in my book is just as bad. I think readers are not getting the full story and thus you get comments like the ones posted above. This is not a situation that everyone can relate to, so we live off and rely on what the media is telling us. If you want us to know the truth and what other changes you all are working on, then by all means go public with it and stop the media from telling your story. Thank you for your time and attention.

Posted by JohnS on July 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you really wanted to file a suit to prove change then prove to everyone you are serious and give all the donated funds you recieved to a charity.

Posted by ptmama73 on July 8, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you want to prove it is not about money and it IS all about making changes, each family should donate 90% (before legal fees) to the communities to "bring about changes that will prevent similar tragedies." Until I read about the families doing so I stand by my assertion that someone is telling a LIE to us or to yourself - no difference.

Posted by easyridr on July 8, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's take a look back- June 17, 1991, the place Albright and Wilson plant, Charleston , SC. The workers that were killed left family members behind wondering how could this have happened. These workers were not high risk employees(like firefighters) just normal labor workers. The lawsuits that were filed were just plain funny. The amounts of money were not worth anywhere near the lives of those hard working men. To the family members of the Charleston 9~ no amount of money will bring back your loved ones. Keep the memories alive!

Posted by scgamecockfan on July 8, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am engaged to a firefighter, and I agree that the families should sue the companies. And for each of you that says that its all about the money, you know that if you were in their position and lost a loved one in that fire, you would file a lawsuit as well. So don't come off as if you wouldn't. And for the person that said if they would have known lawsuits were gonna be filed they wouldn't have donated money, well if you were smart you should have automatically known that lawsuits were going to be filed. So everyone needs to stop acting like they wouldn't sue them if they were in their shoes!! So have a great day!

Posted by flowlow on July 8, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know my comments are based on speculation. There is so much we don't fully know or understand. While I respect freedom of speech, I am not an advocate of freely vocalizing an uneducated, poorly researched, ignorant response to anything.

That said, I would like to again express my condolences to the families. The loss of these men will leave tremendous voids in the lives of their families and friends. These firefighters were trying to fight the fire, to stop it from spreading. Poorly done, yes - bad command, yes - death trap, yes - grounds for legal battles, yes.

Here's my thought, and I'll begin with a brief, personal anecdote. Two years ago, my husband was rear-ended by three vehicles, resulting in back injuries. A law suit kicked into full swing. My husband dropped out of nursing school; he could no longer lift. He was fired from him job - poor job performance as a result of inability to complete lifting tasks. His doctor's prescribed him with muscle relaxers; this led to pain medication, which eventually led to an addiction problem. Things continued to snowball - my husband became depressed because he wasn't able to play comfortably with our infant son, work, provide, finish school. Now, we are dealing with rehab, NA meetings, and he is unemployed due to the drug dependency. Our lives have turned upside down because one man wasn't paying attention to the road. Bill after bill, problem after problem, escalating to this! This was after an accident. We are still trying to get our lives on track.

These firefighters' families lost part of their family, their lives, their purpose in living ... can you imagine how things have snowballed for them? What kind of losses they are experiencing?

Posted by ccfirefighterchick on July 8, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These families have suffered a horrific loss. They are not suing for the money. They ARE suing for change. There are laws that protect the city from lawsuits such as these.

My heart stills goes out to the families, friends, and 'brothers' that were left behind. They are still trying to cope with their loss.

Posted by jeff61 on July 8, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

flowlow

After your husband accident did the community respond with several million dollars in donations? In addition to those donations did you collect on city provided life insurance, personal life insurance, the workmen comp payments, plus social security benefits for minor children? It appears to me the future financial needs of the "families" have been met. Granted there the emotional trauma and other issues but one of them thanks to the community the financial issue is not one of them.

I am not sure how your situation compares to theirs? It appears to me your family is worst off due to a car accident . Not sure what your point is?

Posted by cfd_wife on July 8, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to dignify any of this with a response, as most of you have sound beliefs that the families of the nine are after more money. This is not about money, and I guarantee you that donations WILL be made on behalf of the families, just as they have already been made to fire departments, non profit groups, schools, scholarship funds, etc. Will money bring these brothers, fathers, husbands back, no. They never asked for one dime from any of you. You gave on your own free will. All they wanted to know was why their family was taken!

These lawsuits are about these nine not dying in VAIN. They are to bring more awareness to businesses who in trying to save money, put our citizens and husbands in danger daily.
It is to bring awareness to the need of sprinkler systems in buildings to aide everyone. It is to provide a need for additional inspections so that improperly working fire doors don't trap our loved ones inside.

It is so awareness can be brought to the firefighting profession and businesses as well to keep our men safe. All of these things will help to prevent a tragedy like this from not happening again. So another 25 year old will not be widowed, or have to answer a child's question on why their dad was torn from them.

These men were called to serve YOU, the community, and so too will be there sons and daughters, and now their widows, for so many of you to be ungrateful. The sad fact is, that any of those men, if still alive today, would run into your burning business or house to help protect you, your family, business, or belongings, whilst you would be running out.

Di, I hope that you will not let the opinions of few cowards posion you into thinking Mikey's death was futile, you know your reasons and you do not owe justification of your actions to ANYONE!

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 8, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where have the several millions of dollars in donation money gone? What millions of dollars? I am friends with Mikey French's family and they haven't seen millions of dollars.

Does all donation money go directly to the families or does it go to pay off the massive memorial services?
How much of the "millions" in donations was given to the families?

The money they did receive they used to buy SEVERAL thermal imaging cameras at $16000.00 EACH. Other than that, there was a private burial and enough to take care of dependents.

Reading an article with small bits of information can help you form an opinion. One should do some in depth research before "choosing sides". Once you do that...you may find yourself...wrong.

ThinkAboutThis~ I find your comment in very ill taste. If you disagree so whole heartedly, please provide the basis for your comment.

This incident should have brought us closer as a comunity. Rallying around our brave neighbors. Just like any town that loses 9 heroes in a single day, we should unite and back these families. They are the ones on the front line fighting for our safety just like our military heroes. These families are ensuring that we are all safe. THEY are the ones who go to meetings. Not you nor I.

Personally, I choose to side with the side that is most informed about the TRUTH. Which side are you one? Do you know all of the facts?

Posted by ptmama73 on July 8, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The SSS fire ENSURED THE ENTIRE U.S.A. understood that there was a flaw with our systems. The families do not have to sue for millions to "prove a point".

Do NOT sit here and try to sell me on these lawsuits being "honorable". One of the first families to sue was PUBLICALLY fighting over who was getting how much money. That was just disgusting and explains why I, and several others, have a real issue with these families filing suit.

Please, please let me be on the jury...

Posted by flowlow on July 8, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jeff61 - point is, we don't know how this loss has impacted the family, how their loss has snowballed into much more. I am not trying to compare losses with my own situation. I only mean to illustrate how one tragedy can escalate very quickly.

While some feel that it is unfair that the families get "millions," firefighters are certainly the exception to the general public - they risk their lives to protect others. Most would not - take, for example, the hit-in-run on the news about a month ago - a pedestrian walking across the street, hit in a driveby while others walked around the victim just staring. We're a heartless society on the whole.

God bless those who sacrifice it all.

Posted by ysillyme on July 8, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

follow the money trail, it will not let you down. The more I read the more this suing mode stinks.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The families of these lost nine are showing the world just how sick and low life they really are. They want money and will say anything to get it just like these lawyers will.

I hope God punishes them all. They should give back ever dime that was collected for them and offer an apology!

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 8, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ptmama73~ your posts have been hostile and rude. If you have a legitimate arguement based on facts please feel free to engage in a mature debate.

If the entire country knows our system is flawed, then why is no one in our entire country doing anything about it?

I know the story you are thinking of with that certain family. This is not that family. This family has donated thousands of dollars and waited over a year for someone to take action.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Early is a wack job.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know plenty who said if they get on the jury in these stupid law suits, they will side rule against the families. They think they are full of greed, too!

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 8, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we should sue the families. I want my 100 dollars back that I donated.

Posted by dumbandlost on July 8, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok enough is enough first the families cannot sue the city after they got theirs money from workman comp, state, and federal money for the families. Second it doesn't look good when it take the familes over a year to decide to jump on the lawsuit with the other families either, but it is not the spouses who are filing it is the mother, brother and sisters who are doing that, not once have i heard that the spouse file the suit other then the first law suit , it had been other members. so before you going saying things about the families watch what you say. I can tell you this the one family that is not on the lawsuit will never be on it. Let the CHARLESTON NINE REST IN PEACE GOOD-BYE MY BROTHERS

Posted by Fireman18 on July 8, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with most of you. The families are suing out of greed. I disagree with the people they are suing. The manufactor of the couches had nothing to do with the deaths of these 9 firefighters. If thats not greed then what is? Stupid lawsuits like these are the reason our court systems are so backed up. They shouldn't even be allowed to make it to the courts. A judge should throw them out. Its ridiculous.

Posted by youpeoplesuck on July 8, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really don't care who they sue. I am just tired of it being in the paper everytime one of the families decides to jump on the boat.

Posted by jeff61 on July 8, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The following was published by the P&C

The Charleston Firemen's Fund had grown to nearly $3.9 million as of Nov. 1, 2007 and donations continue to arrive almost daily, city officials ...

I believe this fund grew to over 4 million ...

Posted by jeff61 on July 8, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 8, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where have the several millions of dollars in donation money gone? The over 3.9 million that was donated

Does all donation money go directly to the families or does it go to pay off the massive memorial services?
How much of the "millions" in donations was given to the families?

I am sure the community that donated was under the impression that damm near all of the money went to the families. But this I mean immediate family and minor children. Not these grown adult step children and an number of ex wives that came out of the woodwork looking for money. Are you suggestion the city took most of this money and spent it on massive memorial services and other things and the families wound up with next to nothing?

Posted by stand828 on July 8, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still don't like the idea of the business owner making a huge amount of money by selling the site to the city. The sales price seemed pretty steep...anybody know what the figures are as far as the cost/profit ratio to Goldstein?

I think the city should just condemn the site or take it by eminent domain and give the owner the minimal amount necessary to be fair, keeping in mind that the value of the property is probably reduced by what happened on it. Give the guy a million bucks and tell him to take a hike.

Posted by SCPDBLUE on July 8, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW and just think All SC State Constable Bailey's family wanted was Workmens comp and the Federal death benefit nothing else. And caught heck by the readers on the story printed in the P&C.

Posted by SCPDBLUE on July 8, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What about the donations to the Tri-county four.Moncks Corner PD officers,Siles and Wells,Dorchester County deputy Deese and SC.State Constable Bailey..Nothing arrives dailey like The following that was published by the P&C

The Charleston Firemen's Fund had grown to nearly $3.9 million as of Nov. 1, 2007 and donations continue to arrive almost daily, city officials ...

I believe this fund grew to over 4 million.
OH I forgot those were just four not nine and they were police officers who gave tickets out.. SHAME

Posted by southerner on July 9, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So when a person in the military gets killed, his family should be able to sue the government, gun maker, bullet maker and the people that made the bullet proof clothing.
These fire fighters were being paid to do a job, they agreed to go into burning buildings to try and save people.

Money,Money,Money,Money,Money, is right.

Posted by ThinkAboutThis on July 9, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL we all know CHANGE can be MADE without the LAWSUITS and need to sue!

GREED, GREED, GREED, yes in deed!!!!

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 9, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ThinkAboutThis ~ change can be made when there is not enough funding for our firefighters. So, these families waited a year for additional funding and then decided to sue in order to start a nonprofit organization to help fellow officers.

ALSO ~ Mikey Frenchs oldest sister was the dispatcher on duty when she HEARD officers Stiles and Wells die!
They are doing this for ALL of our heroes. A non profit organization is in the works. There is lots to be done in order to make it a legal and worthy organization. These families are working tirelessly to start this.

The reason for sueing the furniture makers is so they will retaliate and put more pressure on the SSS owner. Strategy.

I agree about the comment regarding Constable Bailey. He was a hero as well and will be greatly missed.

I also agree with the comment about our troops overseas. Unfortunatley, our government says they are doing everything they can to protect our soldiers. I donate regularly to the blue star families. Nothing else I can do there, but maybe I can start with our heroes close to home.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 9, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgot to add that Mikey French's brother in law is in the armed forces and is serving overseas.

Can't speak for all of the families, but I can assure you that your negative assumptions about THIS particular family are dead wrong.

Posted by drp7773 on July 9, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why not sue the company that made the racks that held the furniture or the electric comapny that allowed the lights to be turned on here , without those lights they couldn't do business......it's all BS you can justify anything if you try hard enough but it's still BS. Suing the maker of the furniture is not straegy it's just stupid and plain greed, you are hoping they cave and give whatever money to make it go away........shame on these people and shame on anyone trying to justify this BS greed.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 9, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

drp7773 ~ we differ in opinions. I am sorry that you see the dark side of a pure intention. However, you are entitled to your opinion. Maybe time will tell and you will be humbled and stand corrected. We will see.

Posted by AndyT on July 9, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another family is suing! That is fantastic. Let me begin by saying that I like hearing about and reading about this fire as much as the Charleston County School Board. The Charleston 9, I am sure would never want this type of negativity associated with their heroic dedication to their profession. I would be ashamed of anyone who tried to take their honor away from them. But suing the furniture manufacturer for their death is crazy. I once heard a funny: It goes like this

Gun Control: get the guns off the streets before they kill someone. GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE, THAT’S LIKE BLAMING ILLITERACY ON PENCILS.

I have numerous friends that are firemen and they tell me how they fight to be the first in the fire. Its a dangerous job. There will be injuries and unfortunately a loss of life. 4 million dollars has been given already. The chief is gone! There are new uniforms! New hoses! What else do you need? What is starting to happen, by reading this, is that the community, who all stood behind the families, now, is seeing that the FOUR MILLION DOLLARS they donated was not enough. The fact that the city bought the site, NOT ENOUGH! WHAT IS ENOUGH? Hey while we are at it, why don't we find the person that made the metal springs in the furniture and add him to the list? Now to really get ridiculous, let’s sue the person that made the water that didn't put out the fire fast enough!

Come on people, lets honor the firemen and not continue to drag their names on and on so that people want to forget them!

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 9, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AndyT~ I must partially agree with you, as I see that is what it looks like from where you are standing. This is not a negative comment at all.
Time will tell...

Posted by ThinkAboutThis on July 9, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Time will tell...

how much more money and greed people can milk out of this sad event.............

What a shame these lawsuits, 4 million dollars in donations, the ousting of the chief, family members bickering over the money split, and greed are what people will have as an everlasting impression afterall........ and all for greed!

Posted by FiscalConservative on July 9, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mommy of four you are right!!! That is why I am going to sue all of the fireman's families. This will put pressure on the whole system. If they had the right equipment this would not have happened. People feel bad for these families and suing them will show how flawed it really is. STRATEGY.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 9, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While I respect your opinions, I must disagree. I acknowledge your posts, and feel that I am not doing Mikey any justice by wasting my time trying to get you to see the err in your opinions.
Please continue to support all of our heroes.

Posted by ThinkAboutThis on July 9, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well here you go, all the money that will be spent over these lawsuits can just be diverted and spent on worthwhile causes- the CHANGE you are trying to make!

Win-win quit the lawsuits and all parties can spend 100% of the money on worthwhile change/fire dept needs vs. lawsuits :+)

Oh, wait, the attorneys would have to give up their share :+0

Posted by frenchiessister on July 28, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow...lets see....first off my brothers child got the money from the donations. And if my memory is right there was no millions for her. And if that money is so important to you then when she turns 18 years old go to her and ask her for the money you donated. She cant touch none of her money until then. And as for the money that OUR families donated did not come from this family fund. OUR families set up a MIKEY and BRANDON fund for Thermal Imaging Cameras to give to the local volunteer fire depts. All the money that was donated from the public went to his daughter. So Thank you to the ones who did donate to the fund and havent judged us or his children. To you ones wanting your money back his daughter will be 18 in 11 years...Im pretty sure if she could understand the nasty comments people are leaving she would give back all the money just to have her daddy back. So before you go saying we got all the money...Come correct with your accusations....cause your ass is dead wrong!!!!