Nearly $1 Million Jury Verdict Secured in Historic Barn Collapse Case

Dischell Bartle Dooley is proud to announce a significant jury verdict in favor of a Chester County family whose historic barn collapsed due to contractor negligence.

In June 2022, our clients purchased a 22+ acre property in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, featuring active farmland, a small orchard, and a historic barn dating to approximately 1860. The barn was a central feature of the property and played a key role in the family’s decision to purchase the land. Beyond its historical significance, the structure was intended to support the family’s agricultural activities and serve as a workspace where the father could teach his children hands-on mechanical skills.

Shortly after the purchase, the family retained a contractor to perform structural work on the barn, including lowering the dirt floor and reinforcing the stone foundation. In December 2022, the barn collapsed after the contractor failed to properly support the foundation walls during its work.

When the contractor refused to take responsibility, the family turned to Eric C. Frey, Esquire, who pursued the claim after multiple good-faith efforts to resolve the matter without litigation were unsuccessful.

At trial, the defense argued that any damages should be limited to approximately $100,000 based on the overall property value. Mr. Frey successfully demonstrated that:

• The contractor’s negligence directly caused the collapse;

• The barn could be restored using salvaged original materials; and

• Due to its historic and unique nature, the barn qualified as a “special use” structure under Pennsylvania law—entitling the family to recover the full, reasonable cost of repair.
  

After a five-day trial in Chester County, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the family, awarding nearly $1 million, including delay damages.

While no award can fully replace the loss of a historic structure, this result provides a meaningful path forward—allowing the family to begin restoring a barn they hope will stand for generations to come.