Building Collapses in Long Island

Every year, faulty calculations and design flaws cause building collapses and result in an avoidable loss of life. In the aftermath of these incidents, questions always arise concerning negligence, blame, and accountability, and finding the answers can be a long, laborious, and emotionally exhausting process that no one should have to go through alone.

If you or a family member was injured by a recent building collapse in Long Island, you may be able to hold the entity responsible for the collapse liable for the harm you suffered. A qualified construction accident lawyer could help you navigate the available legal options and work tirelessly on your behalf to secure a positive case resolution.

Types and Causes of Building Collapses

There are generally three types of building collapses, all of which often stem from negligence and may give rise to civil litigation. Collapses that occur after a building has been built and put into use almost always result in the highest number of casualties. However, collapses that occur while buildings are under construction and secondary structure collapses, which involve a building collapse causing critical damage to another structure nearby, can be just as dangerous.

One of the biggest and most common contributing factors to building collapses is an unsustainable and unsafe pace of production. Construction companies that encourage workers to disregard safety rules and work quickly to minimize building expenses often put those workers at immense risk of harm, and if a collapse occurs as a result, that company could be on the hook for millions of dollars in personal injury and wrongful death damages.

Other potential causes of building collapses on local construction sites include:

• Foundations being compromised by water damage and erosion
• Low-quality building materials
• Excessive weight on structures not rated for it
• Architectural defects in the design phase for a building that are not corrected before construction begins.

A qualified Long Island attorney familiar with building collapse cases could help the plaintiff pursue compensation following an accident caused by these or any other forms of negligence.

Recovering Compensation for Injuries

There is no amount of compensation that can erase the physical pain and emotional suffering that a building collapse can cause. However, civil litigation could ensure that the injured worker or their surviving family members do not suffer financial consequences for years to come because of someone else’s negligence.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages in a Long Island building collapse case may include emergency medical expenses as well as long-term rehabilitative costs, past and future income loss, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. If a collapse results in a wrongful death, surviving family members could pursue restitution for damages like loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and loss of financial support.

Speak with a Long Island Attorney about Building Collapse Litigation

If you or a family member were recently impacted by structural collapse, you may understandably want to focus on recovery instead of a complex civil lawsuit. However, the best way to fully recover after this type of incident may be to hold the responsible parties financially accountable for the harm their negligence caused.

A skilled construction site lawyer could discuss your legal options following a building collapse in Long Island in further detail. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.