Nevada readers would never expect a floor they were standing on to collapse, hurling them to the level below. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to dozens of South Carolina partygoers in the early morning hours of October 21.
According to media reports, a private group threw a large dance party on the first floor of a rented apartment complex clubhouse near Clemson University. At around 12:30 a.m., the floor suddenly gave way while people were jumping and dancing to a popular song, dumping dozens of people into the building’s basement.
The Clemson City Police Department reported that around 30 people suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. No one was trapped beneath the rubble. Witnesses to the accident said some of the victims appeared to have broken limbs. The property manager of the apartment complex said the clubhouse was constructed in 2004 and 2005. However, he did not indicate whether the building had a capacity limit.
If people are injured on someone’s property due to negligence, they have the right to pursue a premises liability personal injury claim in court. With the help of an attorney, it may be possible to prove that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known that the property was unsafe. For example, if the owner knew a building had a capacity limit and knowingly allowed that limit to be exceeded, he or she could be found legally liable for any injuries that were sustained. Possible damages sought in a premises liability complaint could include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and pain and suffering. A lawyer could asses a victim’s case and recommend the best way to obtain a settlement.
Source: TIME, “Dozens Hurt in South Carolina as Floor Collapses at an Apartment Party,” October 21, 2018