Pittsburgh Porch Collapse at St. Patrick’s Day Party Hospitalizes 16

A porch collapsed at a St. Patrick’s Day party in Pittsburgh on Friday, March 15, just before 5:30 p.m. The incident caused serious injuries to some of the attendees, including 16 who were hospitalized. In some cases, the condition of a porch may contribute to a collapse, leading to severe bodily injuries. For those harmed by this porch collapse and other incidents resulting from structural damage, it’s important to discuss potential options for recovering compensation.

Overview of the St. Patrick’s Day porch collapse

On Friday, March 15, a large crowd gathered at a residence in Central Oakland, close to the University of Pittsburgh. People were on the porch and the roof above the porch when it collapsed. It appears that around 20 people had accessed the roof from the home’s second-floor windows. The incident was captured on video.

Pittsburgh police, EMS, and firefighters all arrived on scene, where they provided treatment for minor injuries and transported those more severely injured to the hospital. The University of Pittsburgh Police also provided assistance. Sixteen people were hospitalized, with three reportedly in serious but stable condition. One of the individuals is confirmed to have suffered a broken leg. Others experienced minor leg and arm injuries and concussions.

 

The City’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections has since examined the building and determined that the main residential structure is sound.

Porch collapse cases can be deadly

The collapse of this Pittsburgh porch is a frightening reminder of how dangerous these outside structures can be. Just over 20 years ago, a porch collapsed in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, killing 13 people and injuring 57. That event sparked concern over porches and their structural integrity – especially in areas where young people tend to congregate.

After that deadly collapse, the International Code Council issued recommendations stating that decks and porches should be checked twice a year. The main issue is that fasteners and connectors tend to suffer from decay and corrosion, often because of water damage – which is unavoidable for outdoor structures. The International Code Council, which provides tools and resources for building professionals, advises that “those with decks watch out for split or rotting wood, loose or missing nails or anchors, damaged or loose support beams and wobbly handrails or guardrails.” Those who notice any of these issues should report it right away to the building owner and maintenance personnel.

Liability in porch collapse incidents

Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in conditions that are reasonably safe for visitors. It’s unclear whether the property owners, in this case, were maintaining and inspecting the porch. If there were prior complaints or the owners had knowledge of any structural weaknesses, this might indicate that they were negligent by not performing repairs.

There could also be building code violations or other red flags that indicated that the porch was unsafe.

If there are grounds to hold property owners or others at fault, the victims of this collapse may be able to recover damages for their injuries.

Steps for victims to take following the porch collapse

Following this porch collapse, many of the victims sought medical attention for their injuries. This is the most important first step. However, getting emergency medical care is just the beginning. Here are some other important steps to follow:

• Receive treatment: After emergency care, it’s still important to follow up with doctors and to stick to their advice and recommendations. Medical records serve as important documentation of injuries, and a failure to follow through with the doctor’s orders can be used by the defense to argue that the injuries were not serious.
• Gather evidence: Evidence like photographs or videos of the collapse and images of injuries could all be useful as evidence. Other evidence might include witness statements and prior complaints about the condition of the structure. Getting as much information to back the claim as possible can help build a more compelling legal argument.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer: Your attorney can help you collect important evidence to back your claim and can argue on your behalf with insurers and opposing counsel. While your lawyer is critical for bringing your claim to court, you should enlist their help as soon as possible because they can offer support throughout the earliest stages, where they can provide guidance on evidence collection and more.

Carmody and Ging can help

Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers has been standing up for people injured by others’ negligence for more than a combined 60 years. Our partners were both born and raised in Pittsburgh, and we are committed to looking out for fellow members of our community. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in the St. Patrick’s Day porch collapse or in another incident in Pittsburgh, reach out to our experienced team of personal injury lawyers. Call us or fill out our contact form today for a free consultation.