Construction work can be dangerous, even when everyone on site acts responsibly and does their job correctly. When people are careless, accidents are much more likely to occur. Few situations on construction sites are as deadly as collapses of partially built structures. Although these accidents are often high-profile, it can be difficult for victims to get paid fairly for their losses.
If you were hurt or lost a family member to a structural failure on a construction site, reach out to the winning attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. A Bethlehem building collapse lawyer at our firm can help you demand the money you deserve for the harm you never should’ve suffered. From start to finish of the legal process, we will fight for the maximum compensation possible through workers’ compensation, third-party lawsuits, and any other available options.
Who is Legally Liable for a Building Collapsing?
A partially or fully constructed building can become structurally unsound and collapse due to various factors. There are many ways that negligence by a construction company, maintenance crew, or worker can increase the risk of this kind of accident. Some of the most common causes of building collapses in Pennsylvania and around the United States include:
- Failure to follow blueprints properly
- Mistakes in how a building or structure was engineered or designed
- Missed flaws during inspections
- Lack of building maintenance
- Problems with the foundation
- Poor-quality or flawed building materials
- External factors, like fire or water damage
After a building collapse in Bethlehem, your attorney might be able to sue the construction company, the building materials manufacturer, a general contractor that sent unqualified workers out to the site, or multiple parties. The Bethlehem lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will help you determine who bears the blame for the building collapse and take appropriate legal action against them.
Recovering Damages for Building Collapse Injuries
Impacts from falling bricks, glass, and other debris can cause deep cuts, muscle tears, and broken bones. Heavier pieces of a collapsing building can cause life-altering and sometimes fatal brain damage, spine injuries, and crush injuries. The losses your lawyer can work into your claim will depend on the types of building collapse injuries you’re dealing with. In general, third-party lawsuits over structural defect accidents can account for things like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost work wages and/or ability to work
- Personal property damage
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Mental anguish
If you were on the job while you were hurt and your employer has workers’ comp coverage, you might be able to get paid for certain losses by filing a claim under that coverage. An experienced building collapse lawyer from our firm can further explain what damages you can factor into your claim during a free consultation.
Get Help from a Bethlehem Building Collapse Attorney
When building collapses occur, they are often featured in the news due to how devastating they can be. Despite the media coverage, holding the right people accountable for a severe accident can be challenging without guidance from a legal professional.
The attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers have experience fighting for and winning on behalf of injured victims in these cases. We recently recovered a $1,100,000 settlement for a local laborer who was working for a construction site’s general contractor when a traffic signal pole fell and smashed into him. He sustained injuries including but not limited to a T-12 compression fracture and an L1-L2 transverse process fracture.
If a falling structure injured you or a loved one, our Bethlehem building collapse lawyers are here to help. You will not pay us anything until we win the compensation you deserve, so call our firm today for a free consultation.
