The City’s New Legal Nightmare: Lawsuits Filed Over the Pioneer Square Explosion
Attorneys Ronald and Rattle have been retained to represent relatives of the men killed in Tuesday’s boiler explosion, signaling a major battle for damages against Seattle.
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SUITS FOR DAMAGES TO BE FILED AGAINST THE CITY.
Attorneys Ronald and Rattle Have Been Retained by Wire to Represent the Claimants in Court.
It was learned on good authority that damage suits will be commenced early next week against the City of Seattle by relatives of the men who lost their lives through the boiler explosion last Tuesday. Morris Kahn, representing the Chicago firm of which D. W. Jarboe and William F. Schroeder, from the International Art company, which employed Alfred Kliegel, will arrive in the city tomorrow.
Attorneys Ronald and Rattle have been retained by wire to represent the claimants' relatives. The American Travelers' Protective Association has also notified the attorneys to take up the matter in its behalf.
This 1906 report captures the immediate aftermath of a deadly industrial accident, highlighting how workers' families and protective associations mobilized legal pressure against municipal authorities. It mirrors modern debates over corporate liability and worker safety regulations following workplace disasters, showing that the fight for accountability after industrial tragedy is not new to Seattle.
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