Construction Building Collapse Accident
If a total or partial building collapse occurs around a construction area, it’s very likely to cause major property damage and significant injuries. These injuries can happen to anyone in the vicinity, including construction workers.
Understanding the risks and causes associated with building collapses, as well as the steps to take after an accident, is crucial for both prevention and seeking justice. Construction building collapses are complex events, often involving multiple parties and factors. If you or someone you love has been injured in a building collapse, knowing your legal options is essential for recovery. A construction accident lawyer in Portland can help.
What Causes Construction Building Collapses?
Building collapses on construction sites can happen for a variety of reasons. In many cases, these incidents result from a combination of factors, highlighting the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
One of the most common causes of building collapses is structural failure. This can occur when a structure’s design is flawed or when construction crews use substandard materials. For example, weak steel supports or poorly mixed concrete can compromise the building’s integrity, increasing the likelihood of collapse.
Foundation issues also play a significant role. If the ground beneath a structure is not properly assessed or prepared, the building may become unstable. Poor soil quality, improper compaction, or water infiltration can lead to shifting foundations and eventual collapse.
Additionally, environmental factors like severe weather can exacerbate structural vulnerabilities. High winds, heavy rainfall, and even earthquakes can weaken a building under construction, especially if the project is already behind on safety inspections or maintenance.
Overloading a structure with equipment, materials, or personnel beyond its load-bearing capacity is another frequent cause of collapses. Workers must carefully plan the distribution of weight and adhere to engineering specifications to avoid catastrophic failure.
Negligence, whether on the part of construction managers, property owners, or subcontractors, often underpins these accidents. Ignoring safety regulations, failing to address known hazards, or cutting corners to save time and money can all contribute to devastating outcomes.
Determining Liability in Construction Building Collapses
Establishing who is responsible for a construction building collapse is a complex process, requiring thorough investigation. Multiple parties may share liability, including construction companies, property owners, architects, engineers, and material suppliers.
For example, a construction company may be held liable if the collapse resulted from unsafe work practices, such as neglecting to secure scaffolding or failing to follow building codes. Similarly, architects and engineers could be responsible if the building’s design contained critical flaws or if structural calculations were incorrect.
In some cases, material suppliers may bear responsibility if they provided defective or substandard materials that contributed to the collapse. Property owners, too, may face liability if they failed to address known hazards or did not comply with safety regulations.
Each case is unique, and determining fault often requires expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and a comprehensive review of site records.
Legal Options for Building Collapse Victims
Victims of building collapses have several avenues for seeking compensation. Construction workers injured on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
In cases where negligence by a third party contributed to the collapse, victims may pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This allows them to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.
For families who lose a loved one in a building collapse, wrongful death claims may provide financial support for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
An experienced construction accident attorney can guide victims and their families through the legal process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Attorneys can also gather critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, safety reports, and witness testimony, to build a strong case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a building collapse, the Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC are here to help. Contact us today through our online form for a free consultation and to explore your legal options.