Three flatmates launch new Berkeley collapse case

Caroline Conlan, Cliodhna Maloney and Aisling Tallon have launched action against the builder, owner and manager of the apartment block after allegedly suffering “severe emotional and mental injuries for which they have not recovered”.

Papers filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda state: “These young ladies happened to step off the balcony and into their fourth floor apartment just before the balcony broke away from the building, and Plaintiffs believed that they too would be enveloped in the collapse.”

The complaint also states: “Only by the grace of God were Caroline Conlan, Cliodhna Maloney and Aisling Tallon not themselves on the balcony when it collapsed.”

Attorney Timothy McMahon of LA firm Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, acting for the three women, told Mercury News: “As you can imagine, it has been a nightmare and tragedy for all of those involved.

“Above all else, my clients who witnessed these unspeakable events, and fear for their own lives continue to mourn and pray for the loss of their dear friends and those that suffered the horrific injuries from the collapse.”

District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley has previously said she will not bring criminal charges in connection with the balcony collapse.

She said there is “insufficient evidence” to bring manslaughter charges against any individual or company following a nine-month investigation into the tragedy that killed six and seriously injured seven others.