Declarations

Earthquake in New Jersey

“It felt like the whole room was shaking around us, and a loud explosion afterward.”

—Bernardsville, N.J. police Sgt. John Remian, commenting on a minor earthquake last month that rattled homes in several areas of Somerset County. No injuries were reported, and authorities say the quake, the second quake in as many months, caused no damage.

Explosion Suit

“Our investigation to date has revealed evidence of a substantial breakdown in safety procedures at the time in question.”

—Paul T. Edwards, attorney for two workers injured in a power plant explosion in Conn. last month. The workers are suing the power plant operator, alleging that proper safety procedures were not followed before the enormous blast ripped apart the nearly completed Kleen Energy Systems plant as workers purged a natural gas line. Six workers were killed and over 20 were injured.

Recovery

“Sometimes the telephone call of a single consumer results in a wider examination of insurance company practices affecting many other consumers.”

—Superintendent James Wrynn of the New York State Insurance Department, which recovered $32.3 million last year for consumers who complained about insurers’ business practices and claims handling. The Insurance Department investigates approximately 60,000 complaints a year. In all, 7,780 people across the state received money back as part of the resolution of their complaints.

Dunkin’ Defamation

“(E)xcessive drinking, inappropriate conduct with female employees … and a misleading and dishonest character.”

—Allegations that former Dunkin’ Donuts executive Michael O’Donovan says were used to defame him. He is suing the omnipresent coffee company for $5 million, claiming that it damaged his reputation so much he can’t land another job.

Spring Thaw Brings Worries

“The rivers are going to flood. It’s just a question of where.”

—Bob Full, chief of emergency services for Allegheny County, Pa., where officials are warning residents that the region will face major flooding in the coming weeks as record-breaking amounts of snow begin to thaw. Record-keepers say February was the snowiest month in Pittsburgh’s history.