Midtown Family Dollar Collapse Lawsuit Expands as Injuries and Safety Concerns Mount
It’s just after 6 p.m. on Broadway Boulevard in Midtown Kansas City. The streets are busy with people heading home or stopping by local shops near 39th Street and Gillham Road. The neighborhood, known for its blend of older buildings and new developments, still carries the scars of the July 2025 Family Dollar store collapse—an event that shook this community and left one man dead and a customer severely injured.
That evening, Tammy Martin was riding her bike to the Family Dollar on Broadway to pick up cat food. Moments later, the building collapsed beneath her. Now, nearly eight months later, Martin’s attorneys have added two new defendants to her personal injury lawsuit, highlighting ongoing questions about who was responsible for the dangerous conditions that led to the collapse.
What Happened
The Midtown Family Dollar, located at the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and 39th Street, collapsed in July 2025. Tammy Martin suffered a crushed pelvis with a rod implanted from hip to hip, a broken collarbone, multiple fractures in her right arm, and the amputation of two fingers. Tragically, Larry Banks, a customer inside the store, died in the collapse.
In recent court filings, attorneys representing Martin added Dollar Tree Inc. and Family Dollar Operations Inc. to the existing list of defendants, which already includes the Arthur Fels Company, Family Dollar Stores of Missouri LLC, and Family Dollar Inc. The lawsuit alleges these companies controlled the store and neglected warnings about the building’s structural integrity.
Vicki Banks, widow of Larry Banks, filed an amended petition in January seeking aggravated damages, accusing the defendants of “deliberate and flagrant disregard” for safety. Court documents reveal multiple inspection reports flagged the building’s condition as “critical” days before it collapsed. Internal communications reportedly showed a “wait and see” approach rather than immediate action.
A case management conference is scheduled for March 30 at Jackson County Court, where these claims will be addressed.
Why This Matters Locally
This is not just a tragic story about one store. It’s a warning for every Kansas City resident who shops, works, or lives near aging commercial buildings in Midtown, Westport, and surrounding neighborhoods. The collapse exposed serious gaps in building maintenance and oversight that could put your safety at risk.
If a building on a busy street like Broadway or Gillham Road can be neglected until it collapses, your household could face similar dangers. Structural hazards can lead to injury, death, costly medical bills, and long-term disability. For businesses, ignoring safety can mean lawsuits that drain resources and disrupt local commerce.
Beyond physical safety, the collapse caused major traffic delays on Broadway, forcing detours that affected daily commutes. These disruptions ripple through neighborhoods such as Westport and Hyde Park, impacting residents’ schedules, access to services, and even housing values if buildings nearby are deemed unsafe.
Ignoring warning signs about building conditions wastes time and money. The longer hazardous conditions persist, the higher the risk of injury and legal consequences. This case shows how dangerous it can be when companies prioritize profits over public safety.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Get to a safe location away from the building or affected area.
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or trapped.
- Document the scene if you can safely do so—photos, videos, and notes about conditions and witnesses.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor; some damage may not be immediately obvious.
- Report the incident to local authorities and building inspectors to ensure the hazard is officially noted.
- Contact your insurance company to report any property damage or personal injury claims.
- Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, and communications related to the incident.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After an incident like this, professional help is not optional—it’s essential. If you or a loved one are injured in a building collapse or similar accident, you need to contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately. Legal experts understand how to hold negligent parties accountable and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you own or manage property in Midtown, Westport, or nearby neighborhoods, engage licensed contractors and structural engineers to conduct thorough building inspections. Do not attempt to assess or repair structural damage yourself. Professionals can identify hidden risks and recommend necessary repairs to prevent future disasters.
City planners and building inspectors also play a critical role in enforcing safety codes. Residents and business owners should report any signs of structural damage—such as cracks, sagging roofs, or water leaks—to the Kansas City Building Inspection Department. Prompt professional evaluation can save lives and property.
Local Context: Why Kansas City Residents Should Pay Attention
The Midtown Family Dollar collapse happened in a part of Kansas City many residents pass through daily. Broadway Boulevard is a major north-south artery connecting neighborhoods like Westport and Hyde Park. The intersection with 39th Street is a hub for local commerce and community activity.
Nearby landmarks like the historic Westport Commons and institutions such as the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch are just blocks away. Residents, workers, and visitors frequent this area, making building safety a community-wide concern.
As Midtown continues to develop and older buildings remain in use, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder: neglecting structural maintenance is not only a risk to property owners but to every person who walks through these streets. The legal proceedings underway could set important precedents for accountability and safety standards across Kansas City.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The collapse occurred at the Family Dollar store on Broadway Boulevard near 39th Street in the Midtown neighborhood. This area sits between the Westport and Hyde Park neighborhoods, both known for their mix of residential and commercial spaces.
Broadway Boulevard is a key route that many Kansas City residents use daily to commute between downtown, Midtown, and southern neighborhoods. Nearby streets such as Gillham Road and 38th Street also see heavy traffic from local businesses and schools.
Landmarks like the Westport Commons shopping area and the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch are within walking distance, making this site a focal point for community activity. The store’s location on a busy commercial corridor underscores the potential risk to shoppers, workers, and neighbors if building safety is not rigorously maintained.
