On June 16, 2015, seven people were sent to the hospital and six others lost their lives when they fell after a balcony in Berkeley gave way. In this Berkeley balcony collapse update, premises liability attorneys note that a criminal investigation into the tragic accident is underway.
If you were injured, or a loved one killed, because of an unsafe condition on another person’s property, contact Attorney Group today. We provide free, no-obligation consultation. We can help answer your questions. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated premises liability attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Berkeley Balcony Collapse Update: First Criminal Investigation of its Kind in 20 Years
According to CBS San Francisco, it has been nearly two decades since the last time a balcony collapse in California resulted in criminal prosecution. A current criminal investigation is underway but prosecutors admit that criminal negligence will need to be proved. They have not revealed whether the property owner or someone else is the target of the investigation.
Students were at a fifth-floor apartment for a birthday party. Five of the victims who died were visiting from Ireland and working for the summer in the Bay Area. It is unknown what caused the balcony to collapse, although a preliminary investigation of the accident suggests that dry rot in supporting beams contributed to the Berkeley balcony collapse.
Property Owners Have a Duty to Keep Premises Safe
Owners and occupiers of residential or commercial property have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn against known dangers. If they fail to fulfill this duty, and if an unsafe condition on their property causes injury, they could be held liable for any injuries and damages that result, including an injured party’s:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or ability to work
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
If a person dies because of an unsafe condition on a property, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Conscious pain and suffering of the loved
- Funeral expenses
- Mental anguish caused by the loss of a loved one
Injured parties or the families of those killed are encouraged to speak to a premises liability lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
