Miami Restaurant Deck Collapses; 24 Injured, At Least Two Critically
At least 24 people, out of many who had gathered to watch Game 4 of the NBA Finals, were injured when a deck collapsed at a popular seaside restaurant on Biscayne Bay in Miami. Although reports vary, at least two, but possibly three people were critically injured after patrons tumbled into the waters of the bay following the collapse.
The premises liability attorneys at Farah & Farah in Jacksonville Beach have learned that as many as 100 people were on the Shuckers Bar and Grill deck when the tragic accident occurred. Many interviewed by NBC Miami described the scene as “chaotic.” One patron recounted, “Suddenly there was a sound. It was a loud crash and it all came down. Everyone went down like the Titanic…”
The incident happened at approximately 9:45 pm. Reportedly the lights went out after the collapse, casting victims and would-be rescuers alike into darkness. Of the 24 injury victims, 15 were rushed to local hospitals.
The Miami Herald reports that the restaurant had been inspected only six months ago. It had been part of a required 40-year inspection by a professional engineer. The engineer had declared the building structurally sound, but allegedly said his inspection did not include the deck. North Bay Village officials claim that the engineer’s report indicated that he had inspected the deck.
Reportedly, in 2009 the restaurant’s owners spent thousands of dollars to acquire permits to renovate the 120-by-30-foot deck that overlooks Biscayne Bay, but for some reason the project was abandoned.
A North Bay Village police spokesman said that criminal activity and overcrowding have been ruled out as reasons for the collapse. “The engineers are taking a closer look at it. They are certain it is some type of structural incident,” he told the Herald.
Under Florida law, it is a property owner’s duty to maintain a premises or property in a reasonable condition free of hazards. If you have been injured in an accident on a premises, you may be able to recover damages if the property owner’s negligence caused your injury. Call the law firm of Farah & Farah to see if you have case.
Call us at (800) 533-3555 or we can be contacted online for a free review of your case.
