In March 2023, a Northeastern University student attended a sorority party hosted by Alpha Epsilon Phi at an apartment in Boston, Massachusetts. During the event, she fell from a second-story window and landed on the driveway below, according to People Magazine. The fall caused catastrophic injuries, leaving her in a catatonic state. The apartment was reportedly crowded with around 30 people at the time.
The student’s family has filed a lawsuit against the sorority, the building’s property management company and others involved. They claim negligence contributed to her fall and injuries. The student’s brother started a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $116,000 for her ongoing medical expenses. Her family seeks over $10 million in damages as they continue to care for her full-time.
What Were the Dangerous Conditions That Led to the Fall?
The lawsuit alleges that several dangerous conditions led to the student’s fall from the second-floor window. According to the lawsuit, the window in the kitchen area was low enough for someone to fall out accidentally. The family argues that the property management company failed to keep the window secure by not installing proper screens. They also state that the sorority did not take steps to ensure the party environment was safe for guests. Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that alcohol was present at the party, which might have contributed to the risky situation. The family believes these unsafe conditions directly led to their daughter’s severe injuries.
Who Is Responsible for the Incident?
The lawsuit names several parties as responsible for the student’s fall. Her family holds the Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority accountable for failing to provide a safe environment during the party. They argue the sorority should have ensured that the apartment where members hosted the event was free from hazards. The lawsuit also targets Ramos Properties II, the company managing the apartment building. The family claims the property management company did not take proper steps to secure the windows or warn the students of the potential danger. The family also named the apartment’s tenant and then-president of the sorority in the personal injury lawsuit.
What Are the Legal Issues Involved in This Case?
Several legal issues arise in this case, including alleged negligence and premises liability. The lawsuit claims that the sorority and the property management company failed to prevent an avoidable and dangerous situation. Premises liability is a crucial issue, as the family argues that Ramos Properties II had a duty to keep the apartment safe for guests. This includes securing windows and ensuring the property did not pose any hazards. Due to the company’s failure to uphold its legal duty to ensure safe premises, the family argues it is responsible for the student’s injuries.
The sorority also faces a negligence action alleging failure to maintain a safe environment during the party, where alcohol was present. The case will focus on whether the sorority, property management company, and others breached their duty of care and if their failure to address these dangers led directly to the student’s injuries.
Contact Our Premises Liability Attorneys for Help with Your Case
This story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a fun event can turn into a tragedy. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a preventable fall at one of the many Illinois colleges and universities, you have the right to seek justice through a personal injury claim. The compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have recovered over $2.5 billion throughout the last 40+ years, including more than 350 multi-million verdicts and settlements. We are here to help you explore your options. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
