Stemen v. Coffman

Plaintiffs were residents of a multiple dwelling unit owned by defendants Coffman and located in the City of Grand Rapids. The building had been inspected in 1975 by defendant Shirilla, a city housing inspector, and had received a certificate of compliance signed by defendant Panzone, Shirilla’s supervisor. On January 23, 1977, plaintiff Stemen received severe burns on one arm and one leg when fire gutted the structure, and both plaintiffs lost all their personal possessions.

Plaintiffs subsequently brought suit against the previously named individuals, the City of Grand Rapids, and defendants…