Overview
The Housing Authority of the City of Columbia has agreed to a $1 million settlement in response to claims that it failed to maintain safe living conditions at Allen Benedict Court in Columbia, South Carolina. The settlement resolves allegations stemming from the emergency evacuation of tenants on January 17–18, 2019, due to unsafe housing conditions.
Who is eligible to file a claim?
You may qualify for a payment if:
- You are a plaintiff in the Basinger or Montgomery lawsuits. These individuals are automatically part of the class and do not need to file a claim form.
- You were a tenant at Allen Benedict Court with a written lease as of January 17–18, 2019, or a household member listed on that lease. These individuals must submit a claim form unless they were already named plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits.
Who is not eligible?
Anyone who previously settled and released their claims related to the emergency evacuation or the events at issue in the Basinger or Montgomery lawsuits is excluded from the settlement class.
How much can eligible individuals receive?
The net settlement fund—after deductions for attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, administration, and service awards—will be distributed equally among all approved claimants. Both adults and minors will receive the same amount per person.
How to file a claim
If you are not already a named plaintiff, you must submit a completed claim form by mail. The deadline to postmark the form is September 1, 2025.
Mailing address for claims:
Basinger v. Columbia Housing Authority
c/o CPT Group Inc.
50 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606-5105
Required information:
- A sworn statement confirming that you lived at Allen Benedict Court on January 17–18, 2019, and that you have not previously settled your claim.
- Your full name
- Apartment number at Allen Benedict Court as of January 2019
- Current mailing address
- Phone number and email address
- Names and birthdates of any minor household members who were listed on the lease
If the housing authority’s records are incomplete or incorrect, you may need to submit additional documentation, such as a copy of your lease, government-issued ID, or other proof of residency.
Breakdown of the $1 million settlement fund:
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $250,000
- Service awards to class representatives: $5,000 total ($2,500 each)
- Administration costs: To be determined
- Payments to eligible claimants: Remainder of the fund
Key dates:
- Deadline to file a claim: September 1, 2025
- Deadline to opt out: September 1, 2025
- Final approval hearing: After November 15, 2025
When will payments be issued?
The settlement administrator is expected to begin distributing payments approximately 120 days after final court approval and the resolution of any appeals.
Why is there a settlement?
The lawsuit claimed the Columbia Housing Authority failed to maintain safe and functional gas appliances and heating systems at Allen Benedict Court, which led to dangerous conditions, including a fatal carbon monoxide leak and the emergency evacuation of all residents. Plaintiffs alleged economic harm and significant disruption to their lives due to the housing authority’s negligence.
While denying any wrongdoing, the housing authority agreed to settle the case to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty of further legal proceedings.
Sources:
Award: Equal share of remaining funds, up to $1,000,000
Claim Deadline: September 1, 2025
