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New York Trench / Tunnel Collapse Injury Lawyer

Tunnel collapses injure people more frequently than you may think. These accidents occur in common areas, such as highway tunnels, subway systems, and parking structures. These accidents may seem to be the result of bad luck rather than negligence, but oftentimes the architecture and integrity of the structure is to blame. In those cases, there may be a manufacturer or contractor at fault.

No matter the situation, tunnel collapses (as well as trench collapses and parking structure collapses) are serious, sometimes catastrophic accidents. If you or someone you love is injured by a tunnel collapse, you could benefit from legal help to pursue a settlement. Contact the NYC personal injury lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus, Coffinas & Cannavo (SPBMCC) for a free consultation about your case in New York or New Jersey.

Why Choose SPBMCC Personal Injury Attorneys?

When searching for a personal injury attorney in New York and New Jersey, the options feel overwhelming. SPBMCC is the premier firm for personal injury, even serving as general counsel for the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. Why choose SPBMCC for your case?

  • We are a full-service personal injury law firm, representing individuals, unionized laborers, and clients from all walks of life.
  • We represent individual clients and class action cases. Our commitment to the New York community is evident through our continued legal service for surviving rescue workers from 9/11.
  • In the last 10 years, we have recovered more than $2 billion in settlements for our clients.
  • We handle all cases on a contingency-fee basis and we do not charge for our legal service unless we recover your settlement.

Who Is Responsible for Tunnel Collapse?

An investigation is often necessary to determine the at-fault party in a tunnel collapse. Some of the parties that may be responsible include architects, contractors, and city engineers. All of these roles involve a paramount commitment to abide by safety standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) creates specific standards. When architects, engineers, and contractors do not adhere to these regulations, the structures (and the workers in them) may be in jeopardy. Violation of OSHA standards by any responsible party often means the victim is eligible for compensation.

Even if a bridge, parking structure, or subway tunnel met OSHA standards at the time of initial construction, corrosion, wear, and damage occur over time. City and government inspectors are responsible for periodic inspections of buildings and infrastructure. Sometimes inspectors miss dangers or do or not carry out inspections to the extent that they should. Inspectors may be liable if failure to anticipate a potential tunnel collapse causes injury.

Types of Injury

Depending on the type of collapse, an individual involved may sustain minor injuries, debilitating injuries, and death. Because this type of catastrophe is unpredictable and likely difficult to escape, it is often a tragic and traumatizing experience for victims.

  • Some victims experience paralysis from injuries related to the weight of falling debris;
  • Some victims develop claustrophobia after feeling trapped;
  • Some victims experience cuts and broken limbs;
  • Some victims sustain brain damage from the impact of fallen debris; and
  • Some victims sadly do not survive injuries from a collapse.

Hire Legal Help for Tunnel Collapse Personal Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or wrongful death due to a tunnel, trench, parking structure, or bridge collapse, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights. SPBMCC serves clients with compassion, integrity, and fierce dedication. Contact us today for a free consultation.