Missouri LODD Suit Settled

Posted by: Curt Varone March 14, 2017 0

The University of Missouri has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit with the widow of a Columbia fire lieutenant killed in a partial collapse of a walkway in 2014.

Lieutenant Bruce Britt was killed on February 22, 2014 at the scene of a collapse incident at the University Village apartments, owned by the University of Missouri. Lt. Britt was walking on an elevated walkway when it gave way. He was 48 at the time, and a 23 year veteran of the Columbia Fire Department.

The apartment complex had known structural defects and despite the fact that the university recognized the need to demolish the buildings as early as 2008, the buildings were still there in 2014. Lt. Britt’s widow, Leigh, filed the wrongful death suit in 2014.

The university has steadfastly denied liability but agreed to settle the suit for an undisclosed amount. The village has since been demolished. The settlement was approved by the trial court yesterday.

Here is earlier coverage of the case including a copy of the complaint.

More on the settlement.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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