The Ashtabula Area City Schools district has filed a federal lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Insurance Company following the collapse of the roof at Lakeside High School in Ashtabula County, Ohio. The case, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division, centers on the insurer’s alleged refusal to cover repair costs stemming from the 2024 incident.
Background of the Collapse
Around Thanksgiving 2024, a winter snowstorm blanketed the area with several feet of snow, leading to the collapse of the 17-year-old school’s roof. The event rendered the building unsafe for use, and according to court filings, approximately 1,000 students and staff remain displaced nearly a year later.
Claims in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by the Merlin Law Group on behalf of the district, alleges unfair claims practices by Liberty Mutual. It states that the insurer declined to take responsibility for decisions made early in the response — including authorizing demolition of part of the building — which, according to the complaint, caused additional damage.
The filing also claims that Liberty Mutual’s unilateral demolition decision left parts of the structure exposed to weather for months, resulting in environmental concerns and further deterioration.
Ongoing Displacement Challenges
With the high school building deemed structurally unsafe and unusable, students and staff have been relocated to a former elementary school. The district reports that the temporary facility lacks essential resources, including science laboratories, a gymnasium, and an auditorium. Teachers have been required to move their materials between classrooms, and the Board of Education has also been displaced.
Next Steps
As of the latest update, the lawsuit remains pending in federal court. Earlier in 2025, district engineers had recommended demolishing the entire academic wing of the school and rebuilding it from the foundation up.
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