Michelle Meyers Injured In Apollo Theatre Roof Collapse Accident In Belvidere

Michelle Meyers Seriously Injured In Apollo Theatre Roof Collapse Accident In Belvidere During Concert For Morbid Angel —> GoFundMe Created To Help Victim

Michelle Meyers Injured In Apollo Theatre Roof Collapse Accident In Belvidere

BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS (April 11, 2023) – Michelle Meyers was identified as one of 40 people injured in a roof collapse accident at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere.

Boone County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:45 p.m. on Friday, March 31. A number of people were gathered together at the Apollo Theatre in order to hear Morbid Angel perform.

The band was performing during severe storm conditions and the roof collapsed in the middle of the concert. Michelle Meyers and many other people were hit by falling debris and rubble.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. Sadly, one person died following the roof collapse.

Michelle Meyers reportedly broke her spine, wrist, ten ribs and suffered a head laceration. She was taken to the hospital in order to undergo surgery. You can help support her through GoFundMe.

According to the GoFundMe page, “I’m sure you saw the theater collapse on the news/internet. My close friend of 18 years was severely injured in this incident. She broke her spine and 10 ribs, a huge laceration on the back of her head.”

A full investigation into what may have cause the Apollo Theatre roof to collapse remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Belvidere Roof Collapse Accidents

Roof collapses are actually much more common than many people realize. In the majority of circumstances, roof collapses can be prevented with proper engineering and adequate maintenance. According to Structure Magazine, roof collapses tend to be much more common during the winter months when heavy amounts of snow pile up on the roof’s of buildings. There are a number of common causes of roof collapses.

  • Lack of proper wall or ceiling support could cause a roof collapse.
  • A roof may become unstable due to excessive moisture buildup.
  • A roof could have been built with poor quality materials.

Depending on the facts of any case, a building owner could be liable if guests are injured in a roof collapse. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code 740 ILCS 130/2, all property owners in Illinois have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice that their property is in a dangerous condition, they must take action to remedy the dangerous condition. When a property owner fails to take reasonable measures to prevent roof collapses, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.  There are many ways that a roof could be in a dangerous condition.

  • Leaks pipes and other problems could cause structural damage to a roof.
  • Termites could weaken the support structure for a roof.
  • Heavy snow or ice buildup could put excessive weight on a roof.

In one mall in Ontario, it was determined that a roof collapsed after key steel support beams became weakened over time. This was due in part to years of leaking and salt water penetration. Any person that is injured in a roof collapse accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that all evidence is preserved after any roof collapse.

Investigating A Belvidere Roof Collapse Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Michelle Meyers and all of the other people injured in this accident at the Apollo Theatre. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to prevent other tragedies like this. If negligence played a role in this roof collapse, the responsible parties should be held to account.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Belvidere roof collapse? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of roof safety advocates are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.