Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced the opening of a 60-day claim window for former tenants and occupants of A.J. Pokorny's North Adams Street properties. This initiative is part of a settlement reached with the Wilmington landlord, which aims to provide restitution to those affected by the collapse of a load-bearing wall on May 16, 2022.
Jennings emphasized the impact on residents, stating, "Imagine losing, in an instant, the home where you and your loved ones live and sleep — where you keep nearly all of your worldly possessions — through no fault of your own." She further explained that compensating these residents has been a primary goal in resolving matters with Mr. Pokorny.
The settlement reached on December 3, 2024, between the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Unit and Pokorny includes $125,000 designated for restitution. This agreement will also see Pokorny exit the rental business.
To qualify for compensation, former residents must have lived at the North Adams Street properties on May 16, 2022. They are required to complete and sign a claim form affirming their tenancy on that date and submit it to the Department of Justice by April 29, 2025.
Claim forms can be downloaded online or obtained by contacting Special Investigator Robert Schreiber at (302) 683-8817 or via email at Robert.Schreiber@delaware.gov before March 31, 2025.
The Department of Justice is aware of approximately 40 affected residents from the incident in 2022 and plans to contact them directly to assist with claims. Those not yet identified should reach out to Special Investigator Schreiber by March 31, 2025. Additional documentation or an interview may be required as part of this process.