Northeastern Student Falls 20 Feet From Window

In March 2023, what began as a typical sorority gathering at a Mission Hill residence in Boston turned into a life-altering tragedy for Northeastern University student Sarah Cox. A fall from a second-floor window during a crowded party left Cox with catastrophic injuries, sparking a legal battle that now questions the responsibilities of Alpha Epsilon Phi and other parties involved.

Sarah Cox's Devastating Fall

On March 31, 2023, Sarah Cox, a third-year health science student at Northeastern University, attended a party hosted by Alpha Epsilon Phi's president. The gathering took place in a residence at Mission Hill, Boston, where Cox tragically fell over 20 feet from a second-floor kitchen window onto a driveway below. The circumstances leading to the fall remain unclear, but the lawsuit filed by her family suggests overcrowding, intoxication, and unsafe windows played a significant role.

Cox's fall left her in a catatonic state, requiring 24/7 care. As of September 2024, she resides in a pediatric nursing facility, unable to communicate the details of what led to her fall. Her parents, William Cox and Batul Kazim, are now seeking over $10 million in damages to cover her long-term medical care and the emotional toll on the family.

The Legal Battle: Who Is Responsible?

Cox's family has filed a lawsuit against Alpha Epsilon Phi's national and university chapters, as well as the former president of the sorority, Margaret Scales, and the property's owner, Marcia Ramos. The lawsuit alleges negligence on multiple fronts, claiming that the defendants should have foreseen the dangers posed by alcohol consumption, overcrowded conditions, and the unsecured windows at the Mission Hill residence. The family argues that proper precautions were not taken to ensure the safety of attendees, a claim supported by the dangerous placement of the windows, which were low enough for someone to easily fall out.

The lawsuit also highlights that other sororities at Northeastern had safety protocols in place, whereas Alpha Epsilon Phi may have lacked such measures, further implicating the organization's negligence. However, the defendants have called for the case to be dismissed, arguing that there is no direct evidence linking their actions or lack thereof to Cox's fall.

A Long Road to Recovery and Justice

As the case moves forward, Cox's family continues to grapple with the emotional and financial burden of her injuries. Court documents reveal that her medical expenses have exceeded $200,000 and are expected to rise as she remains in need of permanent care. The plaintiffs also argue that the sorority's lack of safety protocols contributed to the tragic incident, while the defendants maintain there is no proof of negligence.

The lawsuit is not only about financial compensation but also aims to hold accountable those who may have contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to Cox's fall. The ongoing legal battle could set a precedent for how similar cases involving college organizations and property owners are handled in the future.

Seeking Answers in the Aftermath

The mystery surrounding the night of Cox's fall remains unresolved. None of the party attendees have provided clear details on what led to the accident. This lack of information has hindered the case, as her family struggles to understand what exactly caused Cox to fall from the window. While no criminal charges were filed following a police investigation, the civil lawsuit pushes for accountability through the legal system.

Moving forward, the family hopes to use the court's discovery process to gain more insight into the events that transpired. They argue that only through subpoenas and testimony from partygoers can they finally fill in the blanks and potentially bring about some form of closure.

References: Family of Northeastern student critically injured in fall from window files negligence lawsuit against Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority | Northeastern University student sues sorority after fall from window left her with 'catastrophic' injuries