Class action lawsuits filed in response to falling glass incidents in Toronto

Two class action lawsuits have been filed in the Ontario SuperiorCourt of Justice on behalf of owners and renters of Toronto condominiums where several incidents of glass balcony lites falling to the ground occurred last summer.

Owners and renters of the Murano Towers and Festival Tower haveretained Falconer Charney LLP and Sutts, Strosberg LLP to prosecute the class actions. Defendants named in the suits include the buildings' developers, general contractors, architects, and the manufacturers and installers of the balcony railings (for a complete list, click here).

The plaintiffs in both actions allege that the defendants are responsible to them and the members of theclass for the lost use of their balconies. The plaintiffs in both buildings have been unable to open theirbalcony doors and use their balconies for several months. Last August, developer Lanterra Developments announced that it would immediately remove the glass panels and railing systems in the affected buildings, and replace the tempered glasson the balconies with laminated glass.

“Our goal is to compensate the class members for the lossof use of their outdoor living space and to motivate the builders to correct the problem as soon as possible,” saidTed Charney, a partner of Falconer Charney LLP, in a March 7 release.

“Outdoor living space in downtown Toronto sellsfor a premium and is an integral part of condo life. The developers promoted the sale of these units byemphasizing the sizeable balconies and terraces, but the class members have been unable to use theiroutdoor living space for over a year with no end in sight," addedSharon Strosberg, a partner of Sutts, Strosberg LLP, which iscurrently co‐counsel withFalconer Charney LLP in three certified class actions with respect to explosions in apartment buildings orcondominiums.

More information on the lawsuits is available at www.fallingglassclassaction.com.