Furniture makers settle suit relating to South Carolina store fire

Companies agree to pay $1.2 million in wrongful death case

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 9, 2010

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Several furniture manufacturers are among a group of defendants who have settled a lawsuit over a 2007 South Carolina furniture store fire for $1.2 million, according to an Associated Press story.

The blaze at the Sofa Super Store here killed nine firefighters. Families of eight of the victims sued for wrongful death, naming 30 defendants including the store and furniture manufacturers.

Charleston County Court documents showed settlements were reached last month with eight defendants for just over $1.2 million, the AP said. Earlier, 12 other defendants settled for a total of $5.6 million.

Documents showed the plaintiffs settled with furniture manufacturers Albany Inds. for $500,000; Robinson and Robinson for $100,000; Best Chairs for $88,888; and Overnight Sofa Corp., Pembrook Chair Corp., Hughes Furniture Inds. and Motion Eaze Recliners for a combined $400,000.

Click here to read the AP story on the Myrtle Beach, S.C., Sun News Web site.