Jonathan Ford, et al. v. Steve Corbin, et al.

This interlocutory appeal concerns the liability of a municipality. Pursuant to the municipality’s ordinances, a municipal inspector inspected a church building. The inspector sent a letter to the owners of the building notifying them that, due to the dilapidated condition of the building, they were in violation of a city ordinance. Over a year later, the building collapsed, killing four people, including three children, and injuring a fifth. The plaintiffs filed suit against the municipality for negligence based on the initial inspection and the municipality’s failure to take appropriate action after the initial inspection. Three separate lawsuits were consolidated into this action. The municipality filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that it was immune from liability. The motion was denied. The municipality was then granted permission for this interlocutory appeal. On appeal, we affirm in part and reverse in part the trial court’s denial of summary judgment,  holding that the defendant municipality may not be immune from liability for some claims under the facts presented in this case.