Common Injuries in Building Collapses
A building collapse lawyer sees the absolute devastation that results from structural failures. Though rare in the U.S., building collapses have tragic consequences for the victims and their families. Sadly, most of these could be prevented by complying with structural design guidelines, following safety precautions, and adhering to inspection standards.
In the event that a collapse occurs and workers or civilians are present, there are bound to be injuries and loss of life. While the victims and their families are reeling, medical bills, funeral costs, and more are mounting. Liability must be assigned so that growing debt doesn’t overshadow recovery and mourning.
If you are injured or a loved one is killed in a building collapse, you don’t have to apply for workers’ compensation or search for the liable parties on your own. Contact a building collapse lawyer with experience investigating collapses and seeking compensation for the victims.
Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi at (201) 585-9111 for a FREE case evaluation. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Let’s find out if you have a viable case for compensation.
Common Causes of a Building Collapse
Buildings can collapse for a variety of reasons, and it is usually due to a combination of factors. Some common causes of building collapses include the following:
- Engineering errors
- Poor planning & design
- Structural instability
- Substandard building materials
- Construction errors
- Lack of inspection or maintenance
- Excessive loads
- Explosions
- Degenerative conditions
- Demolition errors
- Natural disasters
Unfortunately, some companies will prioritize their bottom line over safety. They hope to pass the buck to the next person in line when disaster strikes. It is up to the victims and their attorneys to hold these individuals and companies responsible for the destruction and suffering their negligence has caused.
Read More: Types of Structural Collapse
What Injuries Can You Get From a Building Collapse?
A building collapse can be a catastrophic event. Lives may be lost, and the injuries suffered by the survivors tend to be severe and often life-altering. Injuries could include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Disfigurement
- Suffocation
- Electrocution
- Toxic chemical exposure
You deserve compensation for your terrible losses if you’ve been injured or a loved one has died in a building collapse. Medical bills and funeral costs can quickly add up. While you’re trying to recover from the pain and mental anguish of a sudden, shocking event, the last thing you need to worry about is how you will survive financially. Calling a building collapse lawyer is in your best interest.
Who Is Liable in a Building Collapse?
A building collapse risks the health and lives of so many. Construction workers, residents, passersby, people in neighboring buildings, and more could be severely or fatally injured depending on the circumstances of the collapse. But who is responsible for the pain and destruction?
In most cases, liability will be assigned to one or more of the following parties:
- The property owner
- Construction companies
- Construction managers
- Architects
- Engineers
- Material and/or equipment manufacturers
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Building inspectors
- Property managers
- Property maintenance companies
Once the causes of the collapse are discovered, the parties responsible can be identified. This step can be difficult, especially when dealing with the devastation of your injury or loss.
The big companies at fault will fight tooth and nail to deny rightful compensation to the victims. An experienced building collapse lawyer is vital to this process. They know how to investigate and pursue justice for those ravaged by an event that may have been prevented.
What Type of Damages May Be Awarded in a Building Collapse Lawsuit?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages including but not limited to the following:
- Medical expenses (past & future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain & suffering
- Property loss or damage
- Disability
- Scarring & disfigurement
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of consortium or guidance
If you are injured or a loved one is lost in a building collapse, there may be multiple avenues for compensation for your losses. An experienced building collapse lawyer can sift through evidence and insurance coverages, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary.
Read More: What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
When to Call a Building Collapse Lawyer?
It’s important to call a building collapse lawyer as soon as possible. You need to focus on healing or mourning. This tragic event has wrecked you and your family; let us carry the weight of getting you fair recompense.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi has the experience to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Michael Maggiano and Christopher DiGirolamo, as members of the plaintiff’s counsel trial team, successfully settled the Tropicana garage collapse case for a record $101 million—the largest construction accident settlement ever. That collapse tragically killed four people and wounded 32 others. We can’t stand for this type of blatant disregard for human life. We will fight to obtain justice for our clients.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has lost their life in a building collapse, contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for a FREE case evaluation. We handle cases in both New Jersey and New York.
