Dive Brief:
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As the probe into a Berkeley, CA, apartment balcony that collapsed last month and killed six students continues, legal experts have predicted that Alameda County prosecutors may use a reported $28.5 million worth of prior settlements involving water damage to property built by Segue Construction properties to make a criminal case against the builder.
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A judge has denied a request for a restraining order from the construction company that built a Berkeley, CA, apartment balcony that collapsed last month and killed six students.
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The firm had said it wanted its representative to be present for all inspections and informed about the evidence collected.
Dive Insight:
It would be unusual for a prosecutor's office to file criminal charges after a deck collapse, especially for manslaughter — but not unprecedented. In 1996, a property owner — but not the builder — was charged with, but not convicted of, involuntary manslaughter.
Still, several builders around the country have been sued in civil court by victims' families after balcony collapses involving injuries or deaths.