Building collapses are potentially catastrophic events. They can lead to hundreds of injuries and deaths. When they happen, you have a legal right to hold the responsible party liable. It is crucial to ensure that they pay for your injuries and send a message to others that building safety must be a priority.
In many ways, this approach has been tremendously successful. Because of stringent building and maintenance standards, building collapses are rare. When they do occur, it is generally due to negligence by the builder or building owner. A Rosemont building collapse lawyer at The Kryder Law Group could help you hold them accountable for their actions. Call one of our seasoned construction accident attorneys today to discuss your case.
Frequent Causes of Building Collapses
Several things can lead to a building collapse. They are generally the result of one of two types of negligence—failure to construct or maintain the building properly. The type of negligence is crucial because it helps us determine who is responsible for the collapse, which informs decisions about where to file claims or lawsuits.
Builders must follow federal, state, and local building standards or codes. These standards do not have to be the law—failure to observe industry standards can also establish negligence. Failing to lay the foundation properly and weak corners, pillars, and load-bearing walls make a building more vulnerable to collapse.
Improper maintenance also contributes to the risk of collapse. In those instances, the roof is generally the most vulnerable area. A buildup of snow or rain can lead to roof cave-ins, creating a higher risk of total building collapse. Termite infestations are another type of negligence that can put a building at risk.
Sometimes, natural disasters lead to building collapse. Storms, earthquakes, or other disasters may impact the building’s integrity. However, that does not necessarily mean that the builder or building owner is not also responsible. A proactive Rosemont building collapse attorney could review the evidence and tell you whether negligence helped contribute to the collapse.
Potential Injuries Following a Building Collapse
One of the most remarkable things about a collapsing building is the variety of injuries resulting from a single incident. Some people may escape the building without a scratch, while others can suffer lifelong injuries or a long, painful death.
Injuries happen at the time of the collapse—being hit by falling debris or crumbling walls can lead to physical and psychological trauma. These injuries can include:
However, even people who survive the initial collapse with few physical injuries can be at risk. If debris traps survivors, the clock for rescue begins ticking. Rescue workers have only a short time to get to people before the lack of water or air can lead to serious health issues and even death.
Getting the medical care you need for your injuries—physical, mental, and emotional—is vital. A Rosemont attorney handling building collapses could use medical records to help establish your injuries for your civil claim.
Recoverable Damages After a Building Collapse
A building collapse can lead to potential personal injuries. In Illinois, victims can recover for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss in earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to personal property
- More
When someone dies as a result of the accident, surviving family members may also seek payments to cover burial expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.
The extent of your injuries is one of the most essential factors in estimating potential damages. A qualified building collapse injury lawyer in Rosemont could thoroughly examine your injuries and provide you with an estimate of your damages.
Meet With a Rosemont Building Collapse Attorney Today
Proving negligence in a building collapse case can be very complicated. Experts need to inspect the premises after the collapse to identify what led to the collapse. However, that is not the only way to prove negligence. Some signs indicate that a building may collapse, and testimony about these signs can help establish a case.
The more information you have, the more likely you will have a successful case. Schedule a free consultation with a Rosemont building collapse lawyer at The Kryder Law Group to learn more about a potential negligence claim.
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