Philadelphia Injury Lawyers Settle Pier 34 Collapse for $29 million
Philadelphia injury lawyers secure $29 million settlement for the victims of the collapse of a 140-foot portion of Pier 34 on the Delaware River in Philadelphia.
Announcer: This is “Fox 29, 10 O’Clock News.”
News Anchor: After nearly 4 years, 3 deaths, and 40 injuries, there is a $29 million settlement. We’re talking, of course, about the collapse of Pier 34 into the Delaware River. Now, the lawyers for the victims say this settlement will help start the healing, but there is a lot more that needs to be done.
Man: Today is the end of a long, hard road.
News Anchor: That road started at the end of Pier 34 when it collapsed May 2000. Forty-three people hurt, 3 dead. DeAnn White, who was out celebrating her birthday with co-workers Monica Rodriguez and Jean Ferraro.
Atty. Mongeluzzi: While nothing will replace their daughters, the period of closure has begun for them.
News Anchor: The families of the three victims will each receive about $7.5 million. Those injured in the Pier collapse will split the remaining $7 million. Club owner Eli Karetny, Pier owner Michael Asbell, as well as the city of Philadelphia, engineers and contractors will all pay for the civil settlement.
Atty. Mongeluzzi: And they knew then that this Pier was in deplorable shape.
News Anchor: It turns out Pier 34 partially collapsed in 1994, and the owners knew then they should have replaced the Pier and its pilings. Instead, court papers show a year later they tried to fill tracks with stones and concrete.
Atty. Mongeluzzi: That plan was a temporary band-aid, self-described by the defendants. When they made that decision in 1995, this Pier was destined to collapse.
News Anchor: Monica Rodriguez’s family told us Thursday night, “We are pleased with today’s outcome, but we cannot be happy about it because no amount of money will bring back our daughter.” Now, the criminal charges against Karetny and Asbell are pending manslaughter, and other felony charges were dismissed. They only face misdemeanors, but the district attorney is appealing.