Siskinds LLP represents the Plaintiff in a proposed class proceeding brought against Hatts Off Inc. Hatts Off is a Hamilton-based corporation which establishes and operates for-profit group homes, foster homes, and independent specialized programs.
Hatts Off accused of negligence
The Plaintiff’s claim alleges, among other things, that Hatts Off and others were negligent in their operation of the homes and breached their fiduciary obligations to children and young people in their care. Specifically, it is alleged that, among other things, Hatts Off did not adequately provide for the physical, emotional, developmental or educational needs of children in their care and/or have in place policies or procedures to use reasonable care to ensure the safety, well-being and protection of Class Members.
Class action lawsuit filed against Hatts Off
The case was initiated by the Statement of Claim on February 27, 2023. The proposed class action is brought on behalf of any child or young person who is receiving or has received residential care from the Defendants (Hatts Off) or their affiliates.
Ongoing investigations and media attention
Siskinds is investigating similar allegations in respect of other group homes in Ontario. If you have any information that you think may assist our investigation, please contact us at [email protected]. Any information communicated will remain strictly confidential.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Global News interviewed Siskinds class actions partner Tyler Planeta, about the investigation: Ontario youth group home chain hit with $60 M proposed class-action over alleged 'abuse'.
Register for Hatts Off litigation updates
Fill out the form below to receive updates on the Hatts Off group home case. Our team of class action lawyers will be in touch.
Questions?
Email [email protected] or call us toll-free at 877.705.0663.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
The Statement of Claim was filed with the Hamilton Court on February 27, 2023. Litigation in this proposed class action is moving forward. The Plaintiff has served his certification record, but the date to hear the Plaintiff's motion for certification has not yet been set.
FAQs
Who is affected by the Hatts Off class action?
You are affected by the class action and are a “member” of the class if you received residential care from Hatts Off or their affiliates while you were a child or young person.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class member definition, you are automatically included in the Hatts Off group home class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the class action?
Yes. Once the group home class action against Hatts Off has been authorized or certified, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may however pursue your own action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own legal action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people.
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your legal rights, you should :
- Keep any documents which show your connection to Hatts Off; and
- Register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form below.
All personal information provided will remain private and confidential.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have questions concerning your eligibility, please email us at [email protected] or call us toll-free at 877.705.0663.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.