Do Buildings Collapse During Construction?

Building collapses happen more regularly than some people may believe. As one of the most serious of all construction accidents, a building collapse can often result in serious injuries, fatalities, and immense suffering and damage that puts both workers inside and around the structure, as well as pedestrians walking nearby, at risk. If you are injured by a building collapse, you may be entitled to compensation. Read on to find out why you need a lawyer after being injured in a building collapse.

Why Do Building Collapses Occur?

Building collapses can occur for a variety of reasons. Delayed maintenance, termite or rot damage, and faulty construction are some of the most common causes. However, building collapses can also occur during construction before the building is even completed. The construction deficiencies that lead to these collapses can include improper renovation, unplanned demolition, poor workmanship, and unsafe excavation operations.

What Kind of Injuries Do Building Collapses Cause?

Building collapses can destroy not only the buildings that collapse but also the area surrounding the building. If there are people inside or around the collapse this can lead to serious injury and even death. There are several injuries that construction workers may receive in a building collapse, including: 

• Broken Bones 
• Internal bleeding 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Head injuries 
• Death

If you believe you are a victim of negligence after being injured in a building collapse, it is crucial that you seek out legal representation that can evaluate the claim and detect potential avenues for compensation.

I’ve Been Injured in a Building Collapse. What Do I Do?

Building collapse injuries can lead to severe injury or even death. 

When they happen, the responsibility likely falls on one or more of the property owners, contracting companies, private contractors, construction companies, manufacturers of equipment, or safety training and equipment companies. It could also be a combination of more than one party. If you file a claim, your attorney must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused the accident. Your lawyer will need to identify the source of injury, gather evidence, and present your case to a judge or jury.

Victims may have the ability to pursue multiple responsible parties for compensatory settlements, in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Sometimes, an individual pursues damages alone, but other times a group of workers bands together as part of one lawsuit. This is called a class action lawsuit. The attorneys at SPBMCC can help with these complex cases.

Contact the New York Attorneys at SPBMCC To Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about sustained an injury following a building collapse you may be entitled to compensation. The New York personal injury lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo (SPBMCC)  work with clients in all areas of personal injury, including construction industry injuries. Contact us today at (212)732-9000 for a free consultation about your situation.