Falling Wicker Park building debris critically injured a Chicago woman just weeks after the property owner was told to make repairs.
Debris Also Struck Vehicle
The incident took place on the evening of April 6, 2022. At approximately 6:00 p.m., a 22-year-old woman was walking past a commercial building at 1227 N. Milwaukee Ave. when large chunks of its concrete façade fell off, hitting her on the head.
Emergency responders transported the woman to Stroger Hospital for treatment. Her condition was not immediately clear as of the following day. The Chicago Police Department said that the Wicker Park building debris also struck a passing vehicle, though the driver was reportedly unharmed.
It is not known whether anyone has retained personal injury attorneys in connection with the incident.
Owner Warned About Risk of Falling Debris
The crumbling building was previously home to Value Pawn, though the storefront has been vacant for several years. And according to the Department of Buildings, it had already warned the owner about the risk of such an event just weeks before on March 21, in response to an anonymous 311 tip.
The Department said in a statement that it had instructed the owner to hire an engineer to assess the building’s facade, install scaffolding over the sidewalk, and “immediately engage a licensed masonry contractor to make emergency repairs.”
However, as of the date when the Wicker Park building debris struck the young woman, the property owner had managed to erect a “heavy-duty canopy” but had not begun any of the repairs.
“Enforcement Actions” Promised
In light of the owner’s failure to respond to the city’s mandates, a city spokesperson said that a court-appointed receiver has taken control of the building and was on site the next day to begin repairs.
The spokesperson also announced that the city would take additional enforcement actions against the building owner, though it was not specified what they would be.
According to the Cook County Clerk’s Office, “Virgin Future Properties, LLC Series 5” is listed as the owner of record for the property, while the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office lists “Deborah M. Peterson” as both the registered agent and manager of record for the limited liability company.
Have You Been Hurt by Falling Debris?
If you have been hurt by falling debris, you might be eligible to receive financial compensation from the at-fault party. To help maximize the value of any settlement or verdict, consider retaining the services of the dedicated personal injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered on behalf of clients, GWC is one of the premier Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Our personal injury attorneys command the respect – and the fear – of defense lawyers and insurance companies throughout the state. GWC has the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation you need to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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