A Binghamton TV news anchor has filed an insurance claim against the Town of Union after he was seriously injured when a fire escape collapsed at a Johnson City building.

According to WICZ, the claim filed by Paul Mueller of WBNG was entered into the record at Wednesday's town board meeting.

The notice indicates Mueller sustained broken bones and other severe injuries after "a steel structure which was part of the fire escape" at 265 Main Street "became detached from the building." The incident happened September 15.

A fire escape at 265 Main Street in Johnson City in an image dated April 2012. Image: Google
A fire escape at 265 Main Street in Johnson City in an image dated April 2012. (Image: Google)
loading...
The second floor fire escape at 265 Main Street was missing on December 19, 2019. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The second floor fire escape at 265 Main Street was missing on December 19, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

In an email to WNBF News, Mueller said could not comment about the claim. But he wrote: "My body will never be the same again after this near death experience." He added: "I would never ever wish the same on even my worst enemy."

Mueller's claim stated the collapse was due to negligence because the town "either failed to inspect the fire escape or improperly inspected the fire escape."

Mueller was injured less than three months after he started work as an evening news anchor at WBNG. He was unable to work for several weeks as he recuperated.

WICZ reported Tri-Cities Opera executive director John Rozzoni, who also was injured in the September incident, had filed a claim with the town of Union.

Broome County property records show the building is owned by 265 Main St LLC.

Building permits displayed at 265 Main Street on December 19, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Building permits displayed at 265 Main Street on December 19, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM