Skinner Law Firm recently won an important class action settlement for area homeowners who had been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous roofing contractor. In the lawsuit, Skinner claimed that the out-of-state roofing contractor ignored West Virginia consumer protection laws and were taking advantage of homeowners. As a result of the litigation and settlement, significant monetary awards went to the affected consumers.
Like many class actions, there are funds remaining after the class members have received their award. This may occur due to unlocated class members or their failure to submit a claim for a variety of reasons. It is not uncommon for the total value of claims to be less than the set-aside fund, leaving the potential for those leftover funds to be allocated elsewhere.
Class Attorney Stephen Skinner notified Judge David Hammer of the remaining funds. Judge Hammer directed that the funds be awarded to the Neighbor Project, an initiative of Jefferson County Community Ministries, located in Charles Town, West Virginia. Judge Hammer’s order directed nearly $50,000 in the remaining fund to the organization.
JCCM executive director Keith Lowry accepted the funds recently, giving thanks for community synergy. “We are so grateful that Judge Hammer ordered these remaining funds to go to the Neighbor Project. We are very grateful for the opportunity to utilize these funds; the entire region will benefit from this financial support.”
The Neighbor Project is a JCCM initiative dedicated to establishing a comprehensive Community Services Center, which will serve as a centralized and upgraded hub to meet the diverse needs of the community. Through this project, a welcoming home will be created for all of JCCM’s services, including a food pantry, clothing closet, medical and dental clinic, and the first-ever family shelter in the region. The Center will also provide support services in the form of workforce development and skills training, including employer partner placements.
“We are delighted that Community Ministries can benefit from this class action lawsuit,” declared attorney Stephen Skinner. “This invaluable organization does an amazing job of reaching out to our county’s most vulnerable citizens and helping to support them through their most challenging times. We are thrilled to collaborate with organizations to better serve our neighbors and create a lasting positive impact in our community.”
To learn more about JCCM’s Neighbor Project, visit www.jccm.us.