What Are The Main Causes Of Building Collapses?
Constructing a building is an extremely complicated undertaking. Every aspect of the structure needs to be designed and constructed with a great deal of precision, care, and attention to detail. Any flaw in the design or execution can result in a partial or total collapse of the structure with disastrous consequences.
Experts say that a properly constructed concrete building can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance. Unfortunately, many buildings do not last this long for a variety of reasons. While collapses caused by external factors like storms, floods, or earthquakes cannot be prevented to a large extent, human negligence is one factor that can be entirely avoided. Still, engineers, contractors, and property owners continue to make mistakes that result in serious accidents from time to time.
In this post, we look at the most common factors that contribute to building collapses in New York.
Common Factors That Lead to Building Collapses in New York
- Bad or flawed building design
- Unauthorized changes and deviations from the blueprint made by the general contractor or subcontractors
- Failing to comply with local and state building codes
- Use of substandard, ineffective, or defective construction materials
- Using wrong or inappropriate materials for the job
- Failing to use corrosion-resistant materials
- Moisture intrusion caused by improperly installed roof and windows
- Weak or damaged foundation that can cause the structure’s walls to shift
- Failing to take the necessary safety precautions while renovating the building or adding a new structure to an existing building
- Failing to perform strength tests like load tests, penetration tests, rebound hammer tests, pull-out tests, compression tests, and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests
- Failing to take the necessary safety measures while doing excavation work within the structure or adjacent to the structure
- Failing to take the necessary safety measures while demolishing the building
Parties That Can Be Held Liable for a Building Collapse
Depending on what caused the building to collapse, multiple parties can be held liable for the resulting injuries and deaths.
For example, if the collapse was caused by flawed design, the architect or engineer can be held liable. If it was caused by unsafe construction practices or violation of building codes, the general contractor or subcontractors can be held liable.
If the collapse was caused because of faulty construction materials, the company that manufactured it can be held liable. If it was caused by a defect in the structure that should have been foreseen and fixed, the landlord or the building manager can be held liable.
Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Building Collapse Claim
Construction workers who are injured in a building collapse are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In addition to that, they might also be able to bring a negligence-based tort claim against one or more of the aforementioned parties and recover damages. The damages that can be recovered in a building collapse claim in New York include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of rehabilitation and therapy
- Cost of long-term care
- Lost earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Get Strong Legal Representation from Accomplished New York Building Collapse Lawyers
If you have been injured in a building collapse, the seasoned New York building collapse lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff can help you get the monetary compensation you deserve. We have been through the legal minefields before, we know what it takes to win a case.
Led by Michael S. Lamonsoff, an award-winning lawyer who is known as ‘The Bull’ due to his aggressive negotiation and litigation tactics – our legal team has more than 100 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our clients.
We are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf and get you the damages you are entitled to. To discuss your claim with one of our top-rated New York building collapse attorneys, call us today at 212-962-1020 or use our convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation.