University responds to walkway collapse lawsuit

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri Board of Curators is asking for the dismissal of several claims against it contained in a wrongful death lawsuit filed after a firefighter died in a walkway collapse.

Lt. Bruce Britt died in February while responding to a collapsed walkway at an apartment complex on the university campus. His wife filed the lawsuit, saying that the university did not property maintain the University Village Apartments.

The curators say in their legal response that public entities are immune from damages under a rule that prohibits firefighters or police officers from obtaining damages in situations of "ordinary negligence."

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported an attorney for Leigh Britt says the rule includes exceptions if the negligence was "wanton and reckless."

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Information from: Columbia Daily Tribune, http://www.columbiatribune.com