Knott Laboratory was retained in a matter involving a young child who fell from a third-story bedroom window after leaning against the window screen. The child survived but sustained significant injuries. The case raised important questions about whether the window was equipped with the appropriate safeguards required to help prevent this type of fall.
Window Opening Control Devices, or WOCDs, are designed to limit how far a window can open while still allowing quick release when emergency egress is needed. Although window fall hazards are well known, the specific code requirements governing these devices are often less familiar to property owners, managers, and tenants.
Our premises liability team evaluated the window configuration, sill height, and applicable building code requirements. Based on the window’s location and dimensions, WOCDs were required; however, the window was not equipped with the required device. The investigation found that a properly installed WOCD would have limited the window opening and prevented the fall from occurring as it did.
The case illustrates how building codes function as practical safety measures, not just administrative requirements. When required safeguards are missing, the consequences can be severe. Knott Laboratory’s experience in premises liability, personal injury investigations, and code analysis allows our team to evaluate these issues clearly and help clients understand how the physical evidence, code requirements, and incident circumstances fit together.
