NEW ORLEANS — A new lawsuit is seeking damages on behalf of workers who continue to suffer economic losses as a result of the collapse of the half-finished Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans.
The lead plaintiff in the case is Kerri Brunson, a part-time employee at the Saenger Theatre.
"You have workers who are working in businesses in the areas that were closed off," attorney Mark Glago said. "You have business owners in those areas and others that suffered economic loss."
The building collapse across North Rampart Street from the Saenger forced the historic theater to cancel shows.
On Monday, the crew for Wicked was finally allowed back in the building to remove their props and equipment.
Sunday's crane implosion broke three windows at the Saenger and the initial collapse punched an 8-foot-by-3-foot hole in the roof.
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The class-action lawsuit demands compensation for business owners whose operations were interrupted by the collapse as well as their employees and residents who haven’t been able to get back to their homes since the area was closed off after the collapse.
The suit hasn’t received approval to proceed as a class action as of Monday, Oct. 21.
"We are grateful for the work of the city, first responders and everyone involved in progressing the situation at the Hard Rock Hotel as safely as possible," Saenger Theatre General Manager Sam Voisin said in a prepared statment. "We are working closely with the city to determine next steps. We look forward to welcoming the community back to the historic Saenger Theatre soon."
The blast also shattered about 10 windows at the Hotel Maison Lafitte near Canal Street and Roosevelt Way.
Hotel manager George Friedman told WWL-TV the intensity of the implosion surprised him.
"I was sitting on a little upside down Home Depot pail," Friedman said. "It knocked me off the pail. At that time I didn't even realize it, my windows shattered."
A judge's order now in place prevents the builder, engineers and others in charge of the partially built structure from destroying potential evidence.
"All the emails, text messages that are going on they now have to preserve," Glago said. "There's also samples of building materials we want preserved as well which the judge allowed."
Glago added they are not seeking to interfere with the ongoing investigation into the cause of the building collapse.
Attorneys are seeking class action status in this most recent lawsuit.
They are due back in court on Oct. 30 for a hearing on a preliminary injunction.
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