A building collapse is one of the most dangerous events that can occur on a construction or renovation site. Catastrophic injuries could result when structural elements suddenly fail. After a building collapse, injured people and their families often seek answers about how it occurred and who they may hold responsible.
A construction accident attorney who knows how to handle structural collapse cases could help you obtain a positive case outcome. A Modesto building collapse lawyer from Curtis Legal Group could help you uncover what went wrong or what safety decisions may have contributed to the incident.
What Failures May Lead to a Collapse?
A building often collapses because of gaps in oversight or safety procedures, and our attorneys in Modesto could help you understand how they happen. Preventable errors in engineering, site planning, and communication could leave critical risks uncorrected. Structural design mistakes may mean poor construction materials or inadequate load-bearing capacity. Incorrect calculations for expected weight may cause structures to fail unexpectedly.
Thorough hazard assessments must be completed before any work begins, especially concerning older buildings or structures undergoing major renovations. If builders bypass these assessments or conduct them incorrectly, they may overlook unstable floors or foundation issues.
Mistaken construction sequencing and rushed work schedules may also contribute to collapse risk. If builders remove supports too early or demolition occurs near unfinished structures, the sites could become unstable and dangerous. Contractors may skip inspections to meet deadlines when they face pressure to complete tasks quickly.
Building Collapse Injuries
Numerous injuries may originate from the collapse itself or from falling debris. Injuries could range from cuts and fractures throughout the body to severe head trauma or spinal injuries. Crush injuries may also occur when heavy materials or structural elements fall without warning. Dust generated during the collapse may cause inhalation injuries.
Because these collapses typically happen without time to react, injuries tend to be significant. Debris may trap you, falling objects may strike you, or rescuers may find you trapped in unstable areas. Some conditions, such as concussions, may seem minor at the time of the accident but develop or worsen over time. The complexity of structural failures makes it crucial to obtain medical care and the help of our Modesto lawyers.
State Regulations for Structural Safety
There are many legal standards to guide the safety of construction and renovation projects, and a structural collapse attorney in Modesto could help you understand them. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) requires regular and detailed inspections as well as regulations covering excavation, demolition, and safe access to work areas. Although the findings of a Cal/OSHA investigation do not determine civil liability, they may provide crucial information about a company’s safety practices.
If property owners, contractors, or other parties fail to maintain safe conditions or ignore known hazards, the state’s premises liability and negligence laws may apply. Load-bearing systems must be properly designed and installed to pass review of their engineering requirements. Construction companies must follow approved plans, and they must update engineers when conditions or timelines change. These rules are in place to maintain structural stability and decrease the likelihood of a collapse.
Contact Our Modesto Attorneys To Discuss Your Building Collapse Case
If a recent structural collapse injured you, you know the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. You deserve a Modesto building collapse lawyer who could examine structural plans, review site conditions, and coordinate with engineering experts to determine how and why the collapse occurred.
When pursuing a claim against negligent parties, it is important to understand who may be responsible for any unsafe conditions that contributed to the incident. The Heavy Hitters™ at Curtis Legal Group could review the evidence of your incident and help you make informed decisions about your next actions. Contact us today to learn how we could fight for you.
