Eymann Reinstated To Fire Case

The state Supreme Court has reinstated well-known Spokane attorney Richard Eymann as counsel in a case that blames two power companies for several Firestorm ‘91 blazes.

Eymann and Steven Jones of Feltman, Gebhardt, Eymann and Jones represented many victims of the fires before being disqualified almost two years ago.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Kathleen O’Connor ruled Eymann and Jones violated court rules by interviewing a consultant hired by attorneys representing Inland Power & Light and Washington Water Power Co.

The consultant, fire investigator Norman Buske, approached Eymann and Jones and told them he had important information on the Chattaroy fire. He said he feared his information would be concealed by the utility companies.

The Supreme Court agreed Eymann and Jones violated court rules and should have sought court permission before interviewing Buske. But the court held that disqualification from the case was not proper punishment.

Since the disqualification, lawyers from the Lukins and Annis firm have taken over representation of the Firestorm plaintiffs.

“They have invited me to return,” Eymann said Wednesday. “They have stepped in and done an outstanding job in the time that we were not allowed to participate.”

Attorney David Kulisch, representing Inland Power, said he was pleased the high court agreed Eymann and Jones violated the rules.

Now O’Connor could decide to fine Eymann and Jones, or decide the Buske information can’t be used at trial, Kulisch said.

Both Inland Power and WWP have asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling.

“We believe the action of the plaintiffs’ attorneys was a clear breach of law and of professional ethics,” WWP spokesman Patrick Lynch said.

, DataTimes