If you were injured when a building, ceiling, wall, balcony, staircase, or another structural component collapsed, the condition of the property before the failure can be critical to your case. You may have a claim when an owner, contractor, property manager, or other responsible party failed to address a dangerous structural condition.
Contact a premises liability attorney in Chicago today to pursue compensation for your injuries after an accident.
Call (312) 701-0090.
Why Did the Structure Collapse?
A building collapse rarely happens without a physical cause. Determining that cause can show whether someone knew, or reasonably should have known, that the property was unsafe. Potential causes include:
- Deteriorated structural materials.
- Improper construction or renovation work.
- Excessive weight placed on floors, roofs, or balconies.
- Water damage that weakened structural components.
- Failure to repair known cracks or other signs of instability.
- Excavation or construction on an adjoining property.
- Poor inspection or maintenance.
The condition of the property before the collapse can be just as important as the damage afterward. Prior complaints, inspection reports, repair requests, photographs, permits, and maintenance records may show that warning signs existed before anyone was hurt.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Building Collapse?
Responsibility depends on who controlled the property and what caused the structural failure. For example:
- A property owner or manager may be liable for failing to inspect, maintain, or repair dangerous conditions.
- A contractor or subcontractor may be responsible if defective construction, demolition, or renovation work caused the collapse.
- Architects, engineers, developers, and product manufacturers may also become part of the case when their work or materials contributed to the failure.
Identifying who made decisions about the structure helps determine where the failure occurred and who had the ability to prevent it.
Preserving Evidence After a Collapse
Collapse sites can change quickly. Emergency crews may remove debris, owners may begin repairs, and contractors may demolish unstable sections of the property. Important evidence can include:
- Photographs and video of the collapse site.
- Pieces of failed structural materials.
- Building inspection and code enforcement records.
- Construction and renovation plans.
- Maintenance and repair records.
- Prior complaints about the property.
- Surveillance footage.
- Witness statements.
- Engineering evaluations.
An expert may need to inspect the site and determine whether the failure resulted from deterioration, improper construction, excessive loads, or another structural problem.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
If negligence caused the collapse, your compensation may include:
- Past and future medical care.
- Lost income and reduced earning ability.
- Pain and physical limitations.
- Scarring or permanent disability.
- Damaged personal property.
- Other accident-related expenses.
The extent of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work and live independently can significantly affect the value of the case.
Why an Attorney Is Important After a Structural Collapse
Building collapse cases can require engineering analysis and records controlled by property owners, construction companies, and insurers. Gathering that information while recovering from serious injuries can be extremely difficult. A Chicago personal injury attorney can preserve the site evidence, obtain building and construction records, identify the companies responsible for the property, and retain qualified experts to determine why the collapse occurred. They will then use those findings to pursue the parties whose actions or failures contributed to your injuries.
Get Answers After a Building Collapse
The condition that caused a collapse may not remain visible for long. Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC can investigate what failed and who was responsible for maintaining a safe property.
Contact us online or at (312) 701-0090 for a free consultation.