A tragic incident at a Family Dollar store in Kansas City, Missouri, has led to a major lawsuit. Tammy Martin, who was seriously injured when the store’s roof collapsed, is now suing Family Dollar, its Missouri branch, and the building owner, claiming their negligence caused one man’s death and multiple injuries, including hers. The lawsuit raises serious concerns about ignored warnings and poor building maintenance.
What Happened at the Family Dollar Store?
On July 27, Tammy Martin and other customers were shopping at a Family Dollar store when the roof suddenly collapsed. According to the lawsuit, the heavy roof and falling debris crushed Martin, causing serious injuries to her entire body—from her head and spine to her legs and arms.
A 58-year-old man lost his life in the incident, and several others were also hurt. Emergency teams were called to the scene immediately, but the damage had already been done.
Why Did the Roof Collapse?
Martin’s lawsuit claims the main reason behind the collapse goes back to a 2016 accident. That year, a car crashed into the front of the building, damaging a key support pillar. The lawsuit says that this support pillar was never properly repaired.
Even worse, the store’s roof was reportedly sagging and showing signs of weakness before the collapse. Customers and staff had warned that the roof “looked like it was going to fall,” but no action was taken by the store or the property owner.
Ignored Warnings and Safety Violations
Just two days before the collapse, Kansas City officials had already filed a property violation report. The report said the building was tilting and unsafe. Yet, no serious steps were taken to fix the structural issues.
According to Martin’s lawyer, James Stigall, the collapse was completely avoidable. He stated that both Family Dollar and the property owner “knew the building was not structurally safe and presented a serious danger to the public.”
What the Lawsuit Demands
Tammy Martin is asking for more than $25,000 in damages. She claims the roof collapse has left her with permanent physical injuries, pain, and suffering. The lawsuit holds three parties responsible:
Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC
Family Dollar, Inc.
Arthur Fels Company, the property owner
Martin believes all three failed to ensure the building was safe for shoppers and workers.
Ongoing Investigations
The case is currently under investigation by the Kansas City Police Department and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). They are looking into the cause of the collapse and whether proper safety checks were done.
The outcome of these investigations could lead to more legal trouble for those involved, especially if negligence is officially confirmed.
This incident shows how ignoring building problems can lead to deadly consequences. A roof collapse that may have been prevented has now resulted in one death, multiple injuries, and a lawsuit that could bring serious consequences to the store and property owners. As the investigations continue, the families affected are left dealing with pain, loss, and unanswered questions.
