Williams v. Housing Authority

Summary

The court held that municipal immunity for failure to inspect does not apply when the failure constitutes reckless disregard for health or safety under all relevant circumstances. Recklessness requires more than negligence and involves disregarding a substantial risk of harm, but the trier of fact may consider the severity of the potential harm, a policy or pattern of noninspection, alternative protective measures, and resource burdens. Because the evidence could support a finding that Bridgeport officials persistently failed to conduct required fire-safety inspections of thousands of multifamily units, summary judgment was improper and the Appellate Court judgment was affirmed.