DATE: Thursday, November 13, 1997           TAG: 9711130508

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B6   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 

DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                   LENGTH:   32 lines

LAWYERS FILE STATE CLAIMS IN U.VA. BALCONY COLLAPSE

Lawyers representing some of the 18 people injured in the collapse of a balcony at the University of Virginia in May have filed claims with the state Attorney General's Office.

At least six claims have already been filed and three more will be filed next week, according to lawyers involved.

The balcony, built in 1821, collapsed May 18 when a wrought iron support rod snapped minutes before graduation ceremonies began. The balcony was crowded with spectators and part of the collapsing structure hit people on a walkway below.

Mary Jo Brashear of El Paso, Texas, the 73-year-old grandmother of a graduating medical student, died in surgery after the fall.

If the claims are denied or are not settled within six months of filing, the lawyers can sue the state. One of the first claims was filed in August.

The claims, under state law, cannot be for more than $100,000 per injured person or the maximum of the liability insurance carried by the state for U.Va.'s employees. That maximum could be more than $1 million per person.

Don Harrison, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, said he couldn't comment on the filings.

The balcony that collapsed and five others were evacuated and closed immediately after the accident. KEYWORDS: ACCIDENT GENERAL LAWSUIT UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

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