Should a building permit be required before assembling a swing-set kit in your back yard?
After all, improperly-tightened bolts could lead to structural failure and serious injury or death.
Of a child!
Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,
It was the contractors responsibility to find out what permit was required and obtain an inspection before work commenced.
Sure its not the old ladys fault and she is the victim in all this.
The guy who built her the ramp messed up.