Contractor, company liable in roof collapse

The contractor and construction company that installed decorative ceiling beams in a Taco Cabana restaurant in Las Vegas are liable for the roof collapsing in March 1993.

A District Court jury handed down a verdict Monday in the case involving the injuries to 14 people at the restaurant at the corner of Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard.

The jury found that Marlin Construction was 80 percent liable, and that Perkins General Contractors was 20 percent liable for the collapse.

The jury still has to render a verdict on damages the companies will pay to three parties suing the companies. Judge Jack Lehman said he would like to see that decision by Thursday or the case will have to be continued until Oct. 12.

On Monday, the jury heard testimony from Dan Towbin, owner of Towbin Infiniti, who along with his wife, Carolynn, are the first party seeking damages.

Carolynn has gone through three surgeries to repair a ruptured vertebrae she suffered when she was struck by one of the beams.

archive