A new lawsuit has been filed following the death of a retired teacher who was fatally crushed by a falling utility pole at a Philadelphia school.
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Paula Budin, 73, died after a 45-foot wooden pole collapsed at Roxborough High School's athletic complex on the morning of Dec. 5, 2024.
A passerby found Budin bleeding and unresponsive beneath the pole. Although paramedics rushed to the scene, they were unable to save her.
The medical examiner later ruled that she died from blunt force trauma injuries.
Teacher Dies After Utility Pole Collapses at School
According to the lawsuit, the Philadelphia School District allowed the wooden utility pole to deteriorate for more than a decade before it snapped at its base and fell onto Budin.
Her family alleges that both the Philadelphia School District and engineering firm Parsons Corporation failed to properly inspect or maintain the rotting pole.
They claim there were visible signs of decay dating back to 2014.
"Despite this actual and/or constructive knowledge and their appreciation of that risk of catastrophic harm, the district did not take corrective action nor did it warn students or members of the community of the risk of catastrophic harm," the family's attorneys said.
Workers installed the collapsed pole alongside three others around the athletic complex to support lighting and security cameras.
Students, staff and members of the public regularly used the area.
Lawsuit Alleges Years of Neglect
Following Budin's death, the school district removed the three remaining utility poles from the site.
According to the lawsuit, attorneys and experts later determined that the school district never properly inspected the poles before the fatal incident.
The complaint also alleges that the fallen pole stood next to a debris-filled storm drain. This is said to have allowed water to collect around its base for years.
The lawsuit claims the prolonged exposure caused the pole to "deteriorate and rot to the point of severe and dangerous decay."
Budin's family is now seeking financial damages from the Philadelphia School District and Parsons Corporation, alleging negligence contributed to her death.
Before retiring, the 73-year-old taught at Germantown Academy and the Community Partnership School.
