Anthony Wright Killed In Chicago Building Collapse Accident At Home On West Jackson Boulevard

Unsafe Premises - April 13, 2022

Anthony Wright, 52, Died, Two Men Critically Injured In Chicago Porch Collapse Accident At Garfield Park Home On West Jackson Boulevard

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (April 13, 2022) – A 52-year-old man identified as Anthony Wright died and two other men were critically injured after part of a Chicago home collapsed on West Jackson Boulevard.

Cook County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Anthony Wright was in the porch area of the home with two other men when a portion of the building suddenly collapsed.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. Anthony Wright was trapped underneath the rubble, but he was eventually free.

Sadly, he was beyond medical help and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men were rescued and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital with critical injuries.

Officials said that the part of the building that collapsed is called a “cockloft.” The Department of Building said that the home on West Jackson Boulevard failed two previous inspections.

One inspection in 2015 revealed more than 12 alleged building code violations. One of the violations was listed as “failing to maintain the exterior walls of the building.”

A full investigation into the deadly Chicago porch collapse remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Chicago Building Collapse Accidents

Porch collapses are actually far more common than many people realize. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 33,000 people are injured annually due to a deck or porch collapse.  The deadliest porch collapse in U.S. history took place on June 29, 2003 in Chicago. The porch was attached to an apartment in Lincoln Park when it suddenly collapsed under the weight of 114 people. In all, 13 people died in the accident and more than 50 people were injured. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a partial building collapse.

• The foundation of a porch could fail.
• A porch could collapse due to faulty construction.
• A porch wall could fail under extraordinary loads.
• Inadequate building materials could make porch walls structurally unstable.
• The mortar supporting a porch could deteriorate due to environmental factors.

The owner of a building could potentially be liable for an accident involving their property. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/), property owners must take reasonable steps to protect guests from dangers that are known to the entrant. If a property owner knew, or should have known, that a building was in a dangerous condition and failed to act this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Buildings do not partially collapse without reason. These are predictable events that can nearly always be avoided with proper construction techniques and adequate maintenance.

The company that built a house or apartment building could also potentially be liable for a partial building collapse. Construction companies have a legal obligation to use sound engineering techniques and adequate building materials.  Sadly, though, construction companies often cut corners on safety in order to finish a building quickly and save money. A common structural problem behind porch collapses is improper nail or bolt usage. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any building collapse.

• Maintenance records should be examined.
• Department of Building inspections should be looked at.
• Building blueprints should be examined.
• Notifications to the home owner should be reviewed.
• A forensic investigation of the collapse should be conducted.

The family of any victim that died in a Chicago building collapse may have legal recourse through  Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 180/). Any person that is injured in such an accident may be able to seek aid through a bodily injury claim. Damages can help cover medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, building owners will often fight hard to deny any responsibility for an accident involving their property. It is crucial that evidence is preserved after any accident. A Chicago premises liability attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Chicago Building Collapse Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Wright. It is our sincere hope that the other two victims will be able to make a full recovery. This was a senseless tragedy that should not have taken place. Had the Department of Building violations been corrected, this may have been avoidable. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victims and their families.

Do you need more information  about a Chicago porch collapse accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates and construction experts are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that steps are taken to protect renters from unsafe buildings. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.