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Man Arrested After Alleged Miami Beach Balcony Push at Collins Avenue Condo Tower

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq.

A man has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say a victim was pushed from a balcony during a violent confrontation inside a Miami Beach condominium tower.

According to investigators, the deadly incident occurred at a high-rise condo building along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida. Police allege the suspect entered the victim’s apartment without permission, engaged in a physical altercation, and ultimately pushed the victim from the balcony during the confrontation.

The suspect has been charged with second-degree murder and burglary with assault or battery.

What Authorities Say Happened

According to the arrest report:

  • The victim placed a 911 call shortly before the incident
  • The victim reported a disturbance inside the apartment and asked for help
  • Audio from the 911 call allegedly captured an argument
  • The victim was reportedly heard telling the suspect to leave the residence
  • Surveillance footage later showed the victim falling from the balcony
  • Officers located the suspect leaving the apartment shortly afterward
  • Police say the suspect appeared agitated when contacted
  • Investigators allege the suspect entered the apartment unlawfully
  • Authorities believe the victim was pushed from the balcony during the altercation

The investigation remains ongoing.

Wrongful Death Claims May Arise From Intentional Violent Acts

When a person is killed due to an intentional assault, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a civil wrongful death claim in addition to any criminal prosecution.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, surviving family members may seek damages when a loved one’s death is caused by another party’s intentional, reckless, or negligent conduct.

Importantly, civil wrongful death claims are separate from criminal proceedings and may proceed regardless of whether the defendant is ultimately convicted.

Potential Liability Beyond the Individual Assailant

While the alleged assailant may face primary liability, other parties may also potentially bear responsibility depending on the circumstances.

Additional potentially liable parties may include:

  • Property owners or condominium associations if negligent security contributed
  • Security companies if security failures allowed unauthorized access
  • Landlords or building managers if dangerous conditions contributed
  • Third parties who may have facilitated the unlawful entry

A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine whether building security failures or other negligence played a role.

Damages Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Case

Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Loss of financial support and services
  • Mental pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship and protection
  • Loss of future net accumulations to the estate

In cases involving intentional or egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Independent Investigation Is Critical

Wrongful death cases involving violent incidents often require a prompt and independent civil investigation in addition to the criminal case.

Important evidence may include:

  • 911 recordings
  • Surveillance footage
  • Witness statements
  • Police body camera footage
  • Building security records
  • Access logs and entry records
  • Prior incident reports involving the suspect or location

Because evidence can disappear quickly, families should act promptly to preserve their rights.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this tragic time.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in complex wrongful death cases involving intentional violence, negligent security, and preventable fatalities. If your loved one was killed due to another person’s intentional or reckless conduct, our firm can help investigate the circumstances and determine whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Client Reviews

When faced with the repercussions of a personal injury, choosing the right lawyer for the work ahead is absolutely imperative. When this daunting task fell upon me following a motor vehicle accident, obtaining attorney Zachary Bodenheimer was the BEST decision...

Josh N.

Thank you all for your efforts, often in today's world, it seems everything is about money and people don't seem to care about others. I felt that this was not the case with you and I felt always that you had my best interests at heart and looked out for me...

A.S

Michael Flanagan and his team were so supportive while handling my case. What I appreciated the most about working with Michael was his honesty and his no nonsense approach at getting the very best for his clients. I'm so pleased with how my case was resolved...

Talia M.

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