There are more building collapses than you might realize. A building collapse, one of the most serious construction accidents, can frequently cause severe injury, death, and immense suffering and damage, endangering workers inside and outside the structure as well as nearby pedestrians. If you sustain injuries in a building collapse in Florida or New York, you might be entitled to compensation.
Building Collapse
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries. Despite reasonable safety precautions, the possibility of an accident still exists. Whether it’s a parking garage collapse or an office building collapse, New York is no stranger to these and other situations.
Personal Injury And Building Collapse
When construction companies undertake a new project, they have a duty of care toward various parties. Your main task is to build safely and avoid harm from others. This includes construction that meets all local, state, and federal emergency management agency standards. A company can be held liable for the resulting personal injury if it violates this obligation.
Negligence is a broad type of personal injury. To prove that a person or entity acted negligently, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. The defendant must have breached this duty, and thus the plaintiff must have suffered actual damage.
In a construction site collapse lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care as a contractor, worker, or construction company. If that breach caused the building to partially collapse and the plaintiff was injured, you may be able to seek monetary compensation.
What Can Cause A Building To Collapse?
“Bang!” Suddenly, you hear a loud explosion overhead. You were thrown from a ladder you were working on when the concrete collapsed due to a dense debris field. When you open your eyes, you realize that you are still alive but unaware of what happened. You hear the others scream for help. These are hectic times that construction workers like you can experience during a partial building collapse at a construction site.
When construction companies and outside contractors require workers to complete construction projects quickly, unsafe buildings are created. Therefore, workers risk site collapse when working on an unfinished building. Injuries caused by a building collapse can be life-threatening to you and your family.
A building structure on a construction site can collapse due to natural forces. As mentioned above, implementing a quick schedule for workers to complete the project quickly can cause a construction site to partially collapse. Other reasons may include the following:
- The builder decided to use cheap materials.
- Faulty construction.
- Lack of worker supervision.
- Failure to adhere to strict project protocols.
Why Do Buildings Collapse?
The collapse of buildings can have various causes. Late maintenance, termite or rot damage, and faulty construction are some of the most common causes. However, building collapses can also occur during the construction phase before the building is completed. Construction errors that lead to these collapses include improper renovations, unplanned demolitions, hazardous materials, poor craftsmanship, and unsafe excavation work.
Building Collapses cause what Types Of Injuries?
Building collapses can destroy not only collapsing buildings but also the surrounding area. Serious health injuries or even death can result if people are in or near the rockfall. Construction workers can suffer a variety of injuries when a building collapses, including:
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Spinal cord injury
Head injuries
Death
Suppose you believe you have been a victim of negligence after being injured in a building collapse. In that case, you must consult an attorney, who can assess the claim and identify possible compensation options.
Compensation After Building Collapse
You are entitled to compensation for damage caused by a building collapse. You will be compensated for the following:
- Medical fees
- Loss of earning potential
- Emotional suffering and stress.
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
If you or your loved ones are severely damaged due to a collapse, you should sue the parties involved in the design and construction of the building. In the event of a wrongful death, the personal injury attorney seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and other hazards.
The attorneys at Gregory Spektor & Associates have helped injured victims recover millions of dollars. After a building collapses, the lawyer has to research who is responsible. The lawyer works with experts and investigators who collect the evidence necessary for the case.
With concrete evidence, the lawyer can argue in court to ensure you get the best compensation.
Who Is Responsible For The Building Collapse?
There are so many parties that can be held responsible after a building collapses. Once it is established what caused the defect that led to the accident, the attorney will review the contracts to determine who is at fault. Some of the parties that may be responsible include:
Contractors/Building Companies: A contractor who tries to cut corners during the construction process by using poor-quality materials or neglecting specific construction procedures and standards can be held liable.
Manufacturers: The building can fail and collapse if manufacturers supply poor quality or defective materials.
Architects: If the original design of the building or the renovation is flawed, the building will be unsafe and could eventually collapse. In this case, the architect will be responsible.
Owners: In the case of a renovation on a property in disrepair, the owner may be held liable. There may be flaws in the construction. Still, the owner neglects it to such an extent that it develops deficiencies in the exterior walls that eventually lead to the collapse of the building. Owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their facility for occupants and passersby during renovations.
Causes Of Structural Damage And Building Collapse
Lawyers, with the help of other professionals, investigate the causes of a building collapse. There are so many reasons for structural failure, including:
Weak foundations – The foundations of a building determine its stability. Taller buildings require a deeper foundation with good ground preparation. The structure may collapse if the foundation cannot support the structure’s weight.
Excessive load: Contractors and subcontractors must test strength and gear to ensure that a building can support its weight and that of the occupants. If a building bears a more significant load than initially intended, it may collapse.
Design Errors: When the contractor or subcontractor tries to take a shortcut to save money and time, errors can lead to a defect. It also happens when the contractor needs to supervise the work adequately. The weight of the machinery used in construction can also damage the structure.
Poor quality building materials: If the contractor uses inferior quality building materials, the materials will not be able to adequately support the structure in the outward direction and the load. This can damage the system and cause the building to collapse.
Explosions or fires caused by electrical and gas systems: If gas and electrical systems do not meet requirements, faults can occur and lead to explosions. These explosions can damage parts of the building or even the entire structure.
Natural Disasters: Buildings are designed to withstand high winds, storms, and other natural disasters. When one of these disasters results in a building collapsing, it means that the design or construction quality was not up to standard.
A professional will determine the cause of the building collapse, and your attorney will present a case based on that. After the accident, contact an attorney to get the best possible representation.
What Rights Do You Have If a Building Collapses?
Are the flaws or errors in the building’s construction a threat to your family’s safety? It’s very concerning. You require the counsel and assistance of Gregory Spektor & Associates lawyers if you sustain an injury in Queens or lose a loved one due to subpar construction.
Numerous lawsuits have already been filed following the fatal collapse of the apartment building against the building’s homeowners association, the engineering companies that checked out the structure, and other people and organizations that may have contributed to the tragedy.
What Steps Should You Take If You Are A Victim?
Generally, suppose you are injured or your family suffers a wrongful death because of another party’s negligence. In that case, the injured party or surviving family members are entitled to financial compensation in Queens by filing a tort or wrongful death lawsuit.
Victims injured by negligence are legally entitled to financial compensation for their upcoming and anticipated medical expenses, lost and anticipated future wages, personal pain and suffering, and other losses and damages related to accidents and injuries.
In a case of unjustified death, the surviving family members cannot be compensated by the brothers, who have not been paid medically by a family member, the brothers’ funerals, the part of the consortium, and part of the member’s income and earning capacity from the family.
Why Should You Enlist the Help of a Lawyer?
In both cases, compensation is not simply awarded to you. You need to show that someone else’s negligence injured you or that you lost a loved one because someone else was negligent, and you need the help of a lawyer.
If you are filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim in Queens, your case should be handled by a Gregory Spektor & Associates attorney from the outset.
Incidents like the Champlain Towers condominium collapse shouldn’t happen. But when they do, injured residents and surviving family members must take reasonable steps to protect their rights and hold those responsible accountable.
If you are uncomfortable contacting an attorney after a disaster, please understand that this is not about suing a person or company for all their belongings. Instead, it is to ensure that the inevitable costs of this type of drama do not financially ruin you.
How Will You Pay The Legal Fees?
If you lose your home to a building collapse, lose a family member, or suffer a catastrophic injury, how can you afford the help of a lawyer? Construction liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees until your attorney collects the indemnity on your behalf.
You also pay nothing for your initial legal consultation, where your lawyer will explain your rights and how the law applies to your case. Take this opportunity to get the personal and reliable legal advice you will need after a tragedy such as a building collapse.
The building collapse near Miami Beach will trigger years of legal activity. Various parties, including building management, engineers, architects, and contractors, are being investigated to determine if they are responsible for the collapse.
Why Should You Apply for Free Legal Aid?
To receive compensation, you must prove that the negligence of another person or entity caused your injury or the death of your loved one. Because building collapses are complex and many people can be involved, it can be challenging to identify all the people who should be named as defendants in your lawsuit. However, if you do not remember one or more responsible parties, you may not be able to recover all the compensation to which you would otherwise be entitled.
An experienced attorney knows how to investigate complex cases to identify all potentially responsible parties. By seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a catastrophic incident, you can increase your chances of obtaining total compensation for your losses.
While some people are understandably reluctant to contact a lawyer soon after a building collapse, doing so can give your lawyer more time to investigate the case and obtain evidence that might otherwise be lost due to the failure.
Each state and the District of Columbia have a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years. In the District of Columbia, it is three years. If you delay filing your claim for too long, it may lapse and prevent you from claiming compensation for the losses you have suffered. You should also arrive on time for your claim deadline date. Contacting an attorney soon after a building collapses could give them more time to investigate thoroughly and make a stronger claim on your behalf.
Some people worry that they cannot afford a lawyer, especially when they have lost all their belongings and are facing mounting expenses and a loss of income. However, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Your lawyer will only be paid legal fees if he recovers compensation for you through a settlement or judgment.
What Happens If You Are Injured In A Building Collapse?
Call The Emergency Services
When a building collapses, seconds count. Contact the emergency responders as soon as possible. You could have serious injuries that you don’t realize. Other people may also need help. Call first responders to the accident scene to help treat the injured and search for victims.
Follow First Responder Instructions
Emergency responders may have instructions for victims and bystanders when they secure a crime scene. You must prevent further injuries and treat victims as effectively as possible. Be sure to listen to and follow the teachings of the rescue personnel, including evacuating the premises and abandoning personal belongings.
Consult A Doctor Immediately
Due to the weight of building materials, collapse can cause catastrophic injury. You should get medical help if there’s any chance that you have bodily wounds. Brain damage, a spinal cord injury, and other internal injuries may not always be visible. Medical care can be essential to treating injuries big and small and getting you on the road to recovery.
Medical attention is essential to your care, and it establishes that you are a victim of a building collapse. When asserting your legal right to compensation, it helps you prove the causal link between the accident and your injuries. You don’t want the defendants wondering if your damage resulted from the accident, and medical care immediately establishes evidence in your favor.
Keep Medical Records
Your medical records are necessary to document your injuries and the treatment costs after you have received medical attention. These records show when you’ve sought medical attention and establish a pattern for the care you get. These records will help you keep track of your injuries and determine the cost of your care.
Follow The Doctor’s Instructions
While the person who caused the accident must pay for the damage, it is up to you to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. You must show that you are serious about your recovery. Follow the doctor’s instructions for your treatment and receive adequate follow-up care to ensure your financial compensation for your claim is maintained.
Gather Information About The Collapse.
When a building collapse occurs, you need to learn about why it happened. There may be news articles or online posts about the failure. Record all the information you have. Your lawyers can use it to rely on a thorough investigation.
Learn The Law
To file a lawsuit, you must know why you are suing. You may bring a claim against a person if they are legally liable due to their negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. There is an implicit legal obligation that those who design, construct, and maintain a building must take reasonable measures to ensure its safety.
To win your case, you must prove that the responsible party breached their duty of care and you suffered injury and damage as a result. Once you understand the law, you can make your claim.
Determine Who Is Responsible
You must identify the responsible party or parties if you assert a legal claim. Assessing each party’s actions to determine liability can help you understand who to name as a defendant in the lawsuit. Your lawyer can help you with the service process and steps required for each party to join the case officially.
Calculate The Damage
You must be aware of the maximum dollar amount you can request in your legal claim for monetary compensation. You will receive a personalized claim value. A sum equal to the harm the victim has suffered may be recovered. Damages can include both monetary loss and physical suffering. You can calculate the appropriate sum for your case with the aid of a lawyer.
Remember The Deadlines
The window of opportunity for making a building collapse financial compensation claim is brief. Additionally, a thorough pre-trial investigation may be necessary due to the allegation. Start submitting your claim right away. Your legal team can draft court papers and present your case to the proper tribunal.
Advance Your Case
The work continues when you make your claim. This is just the beginning. The victim collects the evidence in his favor. You must prove the damage to which you are entitled and confirm that you are at fault. You must also carefully negotiate an appropriate solution or take the claim to court. A lawyer can represent you at all stages of litigation.
Why You Should Hire An Attorney For Building Collapse Accidents
If you’ve suffered a building collapse, you need to understand what compensation you owe those responsible. Once you are healthy and able, find an attorney to help you with your case. If you are looking for an established law firm with experience in personal injury cases, contact Gregory Spektor & Associates in Queens, New York. With more than 20 years of experience, Gregory Spektor & Associates offers personalized services and free consultations with timely results. Request a free consultation today to get started.
Our professional attorneys are highly experienced and dedicated to providing you with search and rescue efforts and partial building collapse accident cases.
Our company charges a fair and affordable price for emergency services in building and collapse accident cases. We will offer you advice with questions related to a federal emergency management agency, building codes, rescue workers, structural integrity, and occupational safety. Contact us today for a FREE case review, and let us represent you in building collapse accidents and rescue operations cases.
