Demolition operators take down structures, often to clear space for new construction. To some property owners, spending money to get rid of something might not seem like a good investment. They might cut corners or use the cheapest means to take a building down. However, any carelessness in the demolition process can have devastating consequences.
Demolition accidents often cause catastrophic injuries or death. The Norristown demolition accident lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers represent the victims of these tragedies and ensure they get paid for their losses. Our dedicated attorneys will hold the responsible people accountable for the harm they caused you and your family, and we will fight like hell for the compensation you deserve.
Different Kinds of Demolitions Pose Different Risks
There are several common methods of removing structures, each with specific benefits and use scenarios. Choosing the wrong demolition method for the job could cause harm to workers and passersby.
Implosion
This method uses carefully placed explosives and timed detonations to bring a building down. The building collapses onto itself, limiting the debris to a contained area. Implosion is often the safest method if the building is large, close to other structures, or in a densely populated area. However, this method is expensive and must be carried out by highly trained and experienced experts.
Manual Demolition
Also called deconstruction, this method requires workers to dismantle the building piece by piece. Owners typically choose this method if they plan to resell or recycle structural features or finishes. Taking the building apart in the reverse order of construction helps ensure the structure does not collapse and injure workers or passersby. This method generates significant dust, which is sometimes contaminated with toxins. Workers may have to use elevated platforms to do their jobs, which creates a risk of falls and other workers being struck by falling debris.
Mechanical Demolition
This form of demolition uses heavy equipment like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators to take down a structure. It is relatively fast and does not require a large labor force like deconstruction, so property owners often choose mechanical demolition. However, heavy equipment poses significant hazards to other workers, passersby, and people who live and work in the area. An operator miscalculation could cause an unintentional structure collapse or release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Even when a property owner selects the correct method, negligence or improper procedures can lead to accidents. Your Norristown attorney will investigate the entire demolition process, from choosing a method to picking a contractor to completing the work. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will identify every wrong choice and mistake in execution and hold the wrongdoers accountable.
Your Rights After a Demolition Accident in Norristown
Demolition accident injuries occur when someone is careless, does not follow safety rules, or makes a poor decision—usually hoping to save some money. The skilled attorneys at our firm will prove that a party is responsible for a demolition accident and demand that they pay for the harm they caused.
In most cases, an injured worker cannot sue their employer for work-related injuries. However, multiple parties are often responsible for demolition accidents. The worker could sue anyone else that bears some blame for the incident. Passersby and people in the neighborhood may also file a lawsuit against anyone who bears full or partial responsibility for the accident.
What Does an Accident Claim Cover?
The responsible parties must pay for an injured victim’s scarring, pain, disability, and emotional trauma. If the injuries are long-lasting or permanent, the wrongdoers should pay for the victim’s reduced quality of life. Responsible parties also must reimburse expenses like property damage, lost time at work, and medical expenses.
However, you must act quickly to preserve your right to compensation. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated §5524 gives you two years to file a lawsuit after the accident. Reach out to our Norristown lawyers as soon as possible after a demolition injury to begin your claim.
Consult a Norristown Attorney on Demolition Accident Claims
Demolition is dangerous and requires careful planning and execution by property owners and contractors. When these parties are careless, they must pay for any injuries suffered by innocent victims.
The Norristown demolition accident lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers understand this industry. We can determine what went wrong and make the responsible parties pay for your losses. Call our firm today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
