SMB Represents Victim of Deadly Fire Escape Collapse

PHILADELPHIA, PA- Robert J. Mongeluzzi, Esq., Andrew R. Duffy, Esq. and the firm of Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C., have been retained to represent Nancy Chen, 22, victim of the January 12th apartment building fire escape collapse at 2145 Locust St., Philadelphia.

Ms. Chen, a resident of the John C. Bell apartments, remains hospitalized after suffering multiple fractures in the tragedy. An honors graduate of the University of Virginia, Ms. Chen is the public programs manager of the Philadelphia-based, community-focused Asian Arts Initiative. She is also a highly accomplished printmaker.

“Ms. Chen and her family have asked us to determine how this could have occurred in a Rittenhouse Square area apartment house that is listed on the national registry of historic places,” Mr. Mongeluzzi said. Shortly after the tragedy, he stated, “Properly maintained and adequately inspected fire escapes simply do not collapse and kill people.” After preliminary investigation, Mr. Mongeluzzi has determined that the fire escape was rusted and grossly deficient. “A fire escape, a critical life safety building feature, must be able to safely hold the weight of all foreseeable occupants. This fire escape failed miserably.”

Mr. Mongeluzzi is currently representing several of the victims of the June 5, 2013, fatal Salvation Army building collapse that claimed six lives. He previously represented the victims in wrongful death litigation resulting from the Tropicana Casino parking garage collapse, the Pier 34 collapse, and the Philadelphia tourist duckboat sinking.