NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A New Orleans law firm is teaming up with a Chicago law firm that specializes in mass disaster lawsuits in the wake of the New Year’s terror attack. The attorneys represent more than 20 victims' families and survivors who want to sue the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department. In partnership with Chicago law firm Romanucci and Blandin, New Orleans law firm Maples and Connick has launched their civil investigation into the Jan. 1 attack they call predictable and preventable. New Orleans council talks safety inconsistencies post New Year’s Day terror attack The law firms will be investigating the roles of the city and the NOPD to figure out what actions were taken and not taken ahead of the attack.      "There might be an allegation that the bollards were inappropriately placed or not placed, or the police department or public agency failed to take proper action to prevent access to the French Quarter. In those instances, that might be general negligence,” explained WGNO legal analyst Cliff Cardone. "That would immunize the police department or the public agencies.” According to Cardone, there may be an exception. "I think that's the basis for some of these lawsuits, that they might be relying on an exception of maybe an intentional act or possibly gross negligence, that would be an allegation, if successful, to get around the qualified immunity,” said Cardone. In the summer of 2024, the New Orleans City Council approved an ordinance that requires the city to pay overdue judgements by 2027. Two arrested, third wanted in New Orleans East murder case It’s something the survivors must consider as they attempt to seek justice and get recovery for their losses. “It is probably a wing and a prayer that they will be successful, but you never know,” said Cardone. In addition to this lawsuit, Morris Bart is expected to file his own lawsuit on Thursday, according to one of his staff members. We reached out to both the city and the NOPD for their response. A spokesperson for the NOPD said they don't comment on pending litigation. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Louisiana remembers Nikyra Dedeaux Juarez police officer charged with killing US citizen ICE looking to expand migrant detention facilities across country, ACLU says Risk not 'high enough' to warrant EPA cleanup in Tijuana River Valley U.S. Attorney serving 42 Louisiana parishes announces resignation