Lawsuit Filed in Lakeview Porch Collapse; Protective Order Issued
Attorney Francis Patrick Murphy, a partner at the law firm of Corboy & Demetrio, filed a lawsuit today against the owner of a Chicago apartment building on behalf of his client who was seriously injured when the outside wooden porch she was standing on separated from the building and collapsed. Murphy also filed an emergency motion for a Protective Order seeking to preserve evidence.
The complaint alleges that on September 12, 2010, Alana Heber, along with several other guests, was attending a party and standing on a second story rear wooden porch of an apartment building at 3736 North Ashland in Chicago, Illinois, owned by Jean Lee. Without warning, the porch separated from the building and collapsed. Ms. Heber and the other guests were seriously injured.
The complaint further alleges that the porch was attached to the building with nails. Additionally, the owner failed to properly design, construct, maintain, inspect and repair the porch and did not comply with the requirements of the City of Chicago building code.
At the same time he filed the complaint, Murphy filed an emergency motion seeking to preserve and protect any and all evidence involved in the collapse, including all materials, records, photographs, videotapes, investigator records and statements. The motion was granted and a Protective Order was issued by Judge Jeffrey Lawrence of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
"It is imperative that all the evidence is secured, protected and preserved and that experts are allowed to inspect the site," said Murphy. "Our client’s interest must be protected."
Attorney Francis Patrick Murphy - Experienced and Successful Porch Collapse Lawyer
Attorney Murphy is a highly sought after lawyer in porch and deck collapse cases due to his extensive experience and success. In addition to this case, he represents a McHenry County woman who fell two stories as she stepped onto her deck from her kitchen; a family whose child was injured when he fell through porch posts; and the surviving family of a young man killed when he fell through a porch railing. Murphy’s achievements in porch and deck collapse cases include a $16.6 million global settlement obtained for the victims of the Lincoln Park porch collapse. Murphy represented 14 of the victims or victims’ families, the largest number of victims represented by one law firm. His accomplishments also include a record-setting $4 million settlement for a young woman who fell from a porch when a railing broke away. It is the highest settlement in Illinois for an injury resulting from a defective porch railing. In another case, Murphy was successful in securing a $2.15 million settlement for a couple who were injured when they fell to the ground after a deck railing gave way.
For a free consultation with attorney Murphy or any other personal injury and wrongful death lawyer at Corboy & Demetrio, call 312.346.3191. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
About Corboy & Demetrio
Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier law firms. It represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases arising out of airplane and railroad disasters, failed products, medical negligence and a host of other catastrophic events. Corboy & Demetrio is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice. That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients. The firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts, of which almost 600 were in excess of $1 million.