New Jersey Building Collapse Lawyer
Government agencies and insurance companies investigate building collapses. These events are often catastrophic, investigators collect information to identify the cause and prevent recurrences. Even if a structure collapses during a natural disaster, investigators still look at underlying causes, such as design flaws, defective materials, or inadequate maintenance, to identify all responsible parties.
Receiving compensation for injuries from a building collapse can be overwhelming. The process is complex and often frustrating. Reaching out to a New Jersey building collapse lawyer can make the process more manageable. Our construction accident attorneys are experienced in meeting deadlines, pursuing evidence, and negotiating the best possible outcome.
Who Can Be At Fault?
Multiple parties can be responsible for a building collapse. Whether the construction was shoddy or the materials defective, injured parties should consult a building collapse attorney in New Jersey to determine if any of the following parties are at fault:
Property Owners
Building owners have a duty of care toward occupants and visitors. They should ensure repairs are completed promptly to avoid creating a safety hazard. If complaints are ignored or repairs are not made, property owners may be liable if a building collapses.
Construction Companies and Contractors
Cities have codes to protect buildings and their occupants. If construction companies or contractors fail to follow building codes or use subpar materials, they may contribute to a building collapse and bear some responsibility for injuries resulting from it.
Architects and Engineers
Design flaws or construction miscalculations may weaken a structure, making it more likely to collapse under extreme conditions. Engineers must certify their work, indicating that the construction plans meet their approval.
Material Suppliers and Manufacturers
Defective or subpar materials may be a factor in a building collapse. For example, improperly mixed concrete can crack or fail to harden, placing a structure at risk for collapse.
An experienced building collapse lawyer has the knowledge to pursue a claim against a responsible party or parties for injuries received because of a structural failure.
Determining Fault for a Building Collapse
Those injured in a building collapse must prove that the named parties were responsible for the building collapse and resulting damages. Depending on the circumstances of a building collapse, a New Jersey attorney may use one of the following strategies to establish liability.
- Negligence requires the injured parties to demonstrate that the defendants had a duty of care that they breached, causing injury or property damage.
- In product liability claims, the injured parties file a claim against a manufacturer or supplier. New Jersey’s product liability laws do not require a plaintiff to prove negligence for a case to move forward.
- When structures fail due to neglect or improper maintenance, injured parties may file a claim under premises liability laws. These laws are based on the property owner’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
Injury claims require substantial documentation that may be difficult for an injured party to obtain. Our building collapse attorneys in New Jersey have a team of professionals who work to receive all pertinent documents for a case, easing the stress placed on injured parties.
What Compensation is Available?
Victims of building collapses may sue for compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Medical expenses may include surgeries, rehabilitation services, medication, and long-term care. The extent of the injury determines what expenditures may be covered. Injured parties may also claim damages for pain and suffering from building collapse. These damages include emotional distress, physical pain, or trauma.
A person may also seek reimbursement for personal items or real estate destroyed by a building collapse. Property damages could include vehicle replacement if the collapse damaged a nearby car. In egregious instances, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize the at-fault party.
Contact a GGL Attorney After a Building Collapse in New Jersey
Although you have time to file a claim, it is best to file them as soon as possible. Early filing gives your legal advisors time to collect all pertinent data and develop strategies to protect your rights to fair compensation. Before discussing the case with insurance carriers or others, contact GGL to learn more from our New Jersey building collapse lawyers.