Shipman & Goodwin Successfully Certifies Class of Former Barbour Gardens Tenants Amid Serious Living Condition Issues
In a landmark legal development, Shipman & Goodwin LLP has successfully secured a class certification for former tenants of Barbour Gardens, a housing complex in Hartford known for its harrowing living conditions. The court's decision comes after the complex was closed due to failing inspection scores and numerous health and safety violations. This case marks a pivotal moment in addressing the grievances of residents who faced significant adversity due to these deplorable living situations.
Barbour Gardens was once supported by public subsidies but fell into disrepair, prompting tenants to file lawsuits against the complex's owners and management. The Superior Court for the Complex Litigation Docket in Hartford defined the certified class as encompassing all individuals who lived at Barbour Gardens from January 1, 2015, until the last residents were evacuated in 2019.
The background to this class certification reveals alarming facts. A late 2018 federal inspection revealed a staggering number of deficiencies—138 health and safety violations were identified in just a sample of rental units, leading to the conclusion that a total of 423 violations were likely throughout the complex. Conditions included electrical hazards, water damage, mold, inoperable windows, and even a bedbug infestation. This federal inspection caused the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remove Barbour Gardens from its federal rental assistance program, further complicating residents’ search for safe and affordable housing.
Many tenants, trapped in a precarious situation, could not find alternative housing. This dire circumstance intensified leading up to a catastrophic incident in June 2019, when a plumbing failure resulted in sewage flooding the basement of one building. The city was compelled to evacuate families amid these unsanitary conditions, and HUD subsequently deemed the property unfit for habitation, leading to the permanent displacement of residents.
The recent class certification decision is not only significant for the tenants but also serves as a legal foundation for their claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The plaintiffs are now pursuing remedies that include financial reparations such as disgorgement of income, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Shipman & Goodwin's legal team, composed of several skilled partners and associates, lauded this class certification as a vital step in seeking justice for the residents who endured such unacceptable living conditions. With more than 140 lawyers in their ranks, Shipman & Goodwin is committed to advocating for the rights of those affected and ensuring accountability for the failures at Barbour Gardens.
Shipman & Goodwin LLP has garnered recognition for its dedication to diversity and community service. While facing demands of complex litigation, the firm remains resolute in its mission to protect client interests across various sectors, reinforcing its status as a leader in addressing critical legal challenges in housing and tenant rights.
As the case progresses, the former residents of Barbour Gardens can look forward to a pursuit of justice that acknowledges the harsh realities they faced. This class certification marks a noteworthy moment in their quest for accountability and restitution, illustrating the importance of legal advocacy in combating systemic housing issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Barbour Gardens was once supported by public subsidies but fell into disrepair, prompting tenants to file lawsuits against the complex's owners and management. The Superior Court for the Complex Litigation Docket in Hartford defined the certified class as encompassing all individuals who lived at Barbour Gardens from January 1, 2015, until the last residents were evacuated in 2019.
The background to this class certification reveals alarming facts. A late 2018 federal inspection revealed a staggering number of deficiencies—138 health and safety violations were identified in just a sample of rental units, leading to the conclusion that a total of 423 violations were likely throughout the complex. Conditions included electrical hazards, water damage, mold, inoperable windows, and even a bedbug infestation. This federal inspection caused the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remove Barbour Gardens from its federal rental assistance program, further complicating residents’ search for safe and affordable housing.
Many tenants, trapped in a precarious situation, could not find alternative housing. This dire circumstance intensified leading up to a catastrophic incident in June 2019, when a plumbing failure resulted in sewage flooding the basement of one building. The city was compelled to evacuate families amid these unsanitary conditions, and HUD subsequently deemed the property unfit for habitation, leading to the permanent displacement of residents.
The recent class certification decision is not only significant for the tenants but also serves as a legal foundation for their claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The plaintiffs are now pursuing remedies that include financial reparations such as disgorgement of income, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Shipman & Goodwin's legal team, composed of several skilled partners and associates, lauded this class certification as a vital step in seeking justice for the residents who endured such unacceptable living conditions. With more than 140 lawyers in their ranks, Shipman & Goodwin is committed to advocating for the rights of those affected and ensuring accountability for the failures at Barbour Gardens.
Shipman & Goodwin LLP has garnered recognition for its dedication to diversity and community service. While facing demands of complex litigation, the firm remains resolute in its mission to protect client interests across various sectors, reinforcing its status as a leader in addressing critical legal challenges in housing and tenant rights.
As the case progresses, the former residents of Barbour Gardens can look forward to a pursuit of justice that acknowledges the harsh realities they faced. This class certification marks a noteworthy moment in their quest for accountability and restitution, illustrating the importance of legal advocacy in combating systemic housing issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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