Home / Practice Areas / Construction Accidents / Building Collapes
In 2015, there were 433 construction accidents in New York City. Some of those accidents involved building collapses, which tend to be particularly devastating. Although there are state laws in place to make building renovation and construction sites safe, there’s only so much that can be done to prevent a collapse.
A building collapse is more likely to occur during a renovation project than a new build. With the building boom in several New York City burrows, property owners are eager to update old buildings and attract tenants and buyers. There’s a high potential for collapses and an increased chance of injury for construction workers. If you were injured in a building collapse or construction accident, you are entitled to compensation. Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP wants to help you.
Under most circumstances, a building collapse could have been prevented with a little more caution. Negligent behavior on the part of the building owner or construction company can be the cause of the accident. All of the following are common causes of this type of accident:
Improper training or supervision on the job site
Not providing necessary safety equipment
Failure to use the required safety equipment or construction tools
Too much weight bearing on the roof of a building
Design flaws
Failing foundation
To prevent a building from collapsing and structural failure in buildings, there are several regulations regarding construction, renovation, and demolition work. When someone ignores those rules, they put construction workers at a high risk of injury. Unfortunately, the workers aren’t the only ones affected by the incident. Entire families can be impacted by the accident. As a family struggles to deal with lost income and high medical bills, their lives change drastically.
What Should You Do After Your Accident?
By taking the proper steps after building collapse, you improve your chances of receiving compensation for the accident. A workers’ compensation claim could be your key to financial recovery, but it’s not an easy process. Most victims need to fight for their right to compensation.
Unlike a personal injury claim, workers’ compensation does not require you to prove your employer was at-fault for the accident. If approved, your claim gets you money for your medical bills, missed wages, and other expenses. But you cannot receive money through workers’ compensation and then file a personal injury claim against your employer.
It’s also worth noting that you may be eligible for money through Social Security disability benefits. If your injury is temporary or permanently disabling, you are eligible to receive benefits. Much like the workers’ compensation claim process, this process is challenging. You are likely to be denied and need to fight for the money you deserve.
FILING A LAWSUIT AGAINST A THIRD-PARTY
Although it is difficult to file a lawsuit against an employer for negligence, it’s easier to file such a lawsuit against a third-party. Typically, one construction site is home to multiple vendors and companies. It’s possible that one of those parties is responsible for the building collapse. For instance, the building owner, general contractor, or a scaffolding installer could be liable for the incident.
If you are able to identify the responsible party, you can hold them accountable in a civil court. As a result, you have a chance to recover money for accident-related expenses as well as pain and suffering.
The Devastating Effects of Building Collapses
Any construction accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injury, and a building collapse is no exception. Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and broken bones are frequently associated with this type of accident. For years, your life might never be the same.
By seeking compensation for your accident, you can get the money you need for a better recovery. You and your family don’t need to struggle to make ends meet. When you work with a construction accident lawyer in NYC, you get the guidance you need to seek compensation.
Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP has spent years working with victims of construction accidents. We understand the severity of the building collapses and want to assist you. Our firm has the experience and resources needed to take on the responsible party. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today.
Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Disclaimer
Personal Injury Lawyer Manhattan | Personal Injury Lawyer Bronx | Personal Injury Lawyer Brooklyn | Personal Injury Lawyer Queens | Staten Island