Collapsed Walkway Injures Pedestrians in San Diego

What caused the collapse of a pedestrian walkway in downtown San Diego, California which injured dozens of people? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the causes of the collapsed bridge which the Los Angeles Times reported 16 pedestrians were injured. Their ages range from those injured are 16 to 64, but most are in their mid-40s and mid-50s.

The pedestrian walkway had been put up next to a building under construction at 15th Street and Imperial Avenue, about two blocks east of Petco Park. The project under construction, called “Studio fifteen,” are reported to be 275 units of affordable housing. The developer of the project is San Diego-based Affirmed Housing Group which specializes building affordable housing units.

Experiences and thoughts from witnesses and injured parties conflict but all share the common quest for the truth in determining the cause of the collapse. A construction worker mentioned to investigators that he does not believe any construction scaffolding equipment fell on the walkway, causing the collapse. A fortunate pedestrian shared with authorities that she felt as though something did in fact strike the walkway prior to its collapse. Other witnesses shared that the walkway seemed to have moved before it fell.

Some pedestrians were directly struck by the falling wood which resulting serious injuries and are in critical condition. The panic and hysteria intensified as people screamed for help while others attempted to crawl out of the wreckage. The combination of heavy equipment and great heights on a construction site can be a recipe for disaster. When negligence is added to the mix, the result may be a tragic construction accident.

Lederer & Nojima LLP have handled numerous cases in which pedestrians have been injured as a result of the negligent actions of others. The injured pedestrians in San Diego should contact an attorney to assist them in pursuing a claim against the developers of the project and the city. These pedestrians are nothing more than innocent bystander who will now face medical expenses and life altering injuries. Please contact our office for a free confidential consultation. Se halba español.