MALIBU : $1 Million in Claims Filed in Collapse of Balcony
Four people hurt in the collapse of a Malibu beach balcony two months ago have filed more than $1 million in claims against Los Angeles County.
The claims accuse the county of failing to properly inspect the condominium and require repairs to the rusty steel beams.
Two people were killed and 30 others hurt when the balcony collapsed during a Nov. 15 party at the oceanfront residence. Party-goers were dropped 25 feet onto a rocky beach.
The two claims, which must be submitted before a lawsuit can be filed against the county, were filed this month by attorneys for Mojgan Deihim, Shery Charchian, Rita Refeil and Sahar Topper. Topper’s claim asks for $1 million in damages and details nearly $19,000 in medical care for a broken ankle and cuts. The claim for the other three only says damages are expected to exceed $10,000.
The county insists that responsibility for upkeep of buildings transfers to the owner after the structure is built.
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