Although rare, building collapses do occur in Pennsylvania and across America, often causing severe harm. Getting compensation for the losses you suffered in this kind of accident can be more complicated than you might expect. It’s crucial to work with an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the construction industry and can fight to protect your rights.
For the best chances of success with your claim, there’s no substitute for support from a Reading building collapse lawyer. The winning construction accident attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers have a track record of success representing workers like you. In one case, we represented a local laborer who was working for a construction site’s general contractor when a traffic signal pole fell on him, causing a T-12 compression fracture and an L1-L2 transverse process fracture. We were able to win a $1,100,000 settlement on his behalf. Let us use our expertise and experience to get you the payments you deserve.
What Causes Buildings to Collapse During Construction?
A big part of what makes financial recovery after a building collapse so complex is that figuring out the reason for a collapse can be difficult. Investigations into building collapses often take years to conclude. They may involve multiple government agencies and usually name multiple people and companies as partly responsible for the accident.
Some of the most common reasons for construction collapses include the following:
- Flaws in the foundation
- Low-quality building materials
- Failure to follow the blueprints
- Flawed building design
- Mistakes by on-site workers
- Crane operator errors
- Water damage and other forms of corrosion
Your Reading building collapse attorney will be your advocate through the investigative process and ensure the right people are held responsible for the harm you suffered.
Getting Paid After a Structural Collapse
If you have workers’ compensation coverage through your employer, you’ll likely be able to get benefits through that coverage after a building collapse. These payments should cover all your medical bills and part of your lost wages while recovering from your injuries. However, if you want to recover for other types of losses or if you don’t have any workers’ comp coverage, our Reading attorney can advise you on pursuing a civil lawsuit against the parties responsible for the building collapse.
Anyone who was “negligent” in a way that directly contributed to a structural collapse can be held liable to pay for all past and future losses you’ll have to deal with because of the incident, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Any medical bills not covered by workers’ comp
- Any lost work wages not covered by workers’ comp, plus long-term loss of working ability
Support from our firm’s skilled building collapse lawyers is essential throughout the claims process. Our legal team can listen to your story, understand how the building collapse has affected your life, and ensure your claim demands appropriate compensation for your losses.
Talk to a Reading Building Collapse Attorney Today
Building collapses are traumatic and often life-threatening experiences for everybody involved. Any injuries you suffered in a collapse while working construction could be the basis for a civil claim. However, you’ll need representation from someone who understands how Pennsylvania law treats these cases and knows how to use the law in your favor.
Working with a Reading building collapse lawyer will give you the best chance of getting a positive case result. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to get started.
