Northeastern University student falls from window during party in March

In March 2023, Sarah Cox, a junior at Northeastern University and a member of the Phi Omega chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, fell from a second-story window during a party. The incident occurred when the kitchen was crowded with approximately 30 guests, leading to her falling about 20 feet onto the driveway below. As a result of the fall, she sustained catastrophic injuries and spent several months in a coma, necessitating 24-hour care on a permanent basis. Cox's family has filed a lawsuit against multiple parties, including the property manager of the rental house, her sorority, and the sorority's student president. The lawsuit claims negligence on the part of the property manager for failing to secure window screens in a manner that would prevent such accidents. Additionally, the complaint alleges that the sorority failed to adequately warn its members about the dangers associated with hosting large gatherings, particularly when alcohol consumption is involved. Defendants in the case have responded by questioning the specifics of how Cox fell and the lack of evidence regarding alcohol consumption during the party. They argue that the plaintiffs' claims do not sufficiently establish a direct link between the alleged negligence and the incident. The sorority defendants have criticized the plaintiffs' approach as lacking clarity and coherence. The case highlights broader issues of safety and responsibility in social settings, particularly in environments where alcohol may be present. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for liability and accountability in similar situations will be closely examined.