Demolition work requires precise planning and adherence to strict safety standards. Without these, serious injuries can happen in a matter of seconds. After an accident, an evaluation must determine what led to the incident and identify where safety measures failed. State law protects those injured in preventable demolition accidents, helping them recover financial compensation for their losses.
If you have been involved in a demolition accident, you need a dedicated Modesto demolition accident lawyer who understands how the law handles these cases. At Curtis Legal Group, we are Heavy Hitters™ who could help you uncover the truth and hold negligent parties accountable. Our construction accident attorneys are ready to pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Hazards of Demolition
Demolition projects often involve older or damaged structures and unpredictable conditions. Removing walls, floors, or support beams may cause sudden collapses, placing workers in direct danger. If not carefully controlled, weakened materials can fail without warning. The chance of serious injury increases when debris falls or loads shift, making the ground even more unstable.
Common causes of demolition incidents include:
- Planning failures
- Rushed preparation
- Inadequate assessments
When operators remove structural elements too early or without proper stabilization, it can lead to premature collapse, putting everyone at risk. Other causes include improper operation or maintenance of equipment, insufficient cleanup between stages, and miscommunication. Poor enforcement of exclusion zones or unclear instructions leaves workers exposed.
Many of these failures reflect deeper problems with the company’s safety culture. When a demolition accident occurs, our attorney in Modesto could thoroughly review site practices, documentation, and communication systems.
Who Might Be Liable?
Determining responsibility after a demolition accident requires careful examination of all parties involved in the project. Parties that play important roles in planning and executing demolition work include:
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Property owners
- Engineering firms
- Equipment operators
If any of these parties fail to follow safe practices or overlook hazards, the law may find them liable.
California Civil Code § 1714 requires all participants to take reasonable steps to protect workers and the public at large. Demolition participants must enforce safety protocols, coordinate demolition sequences, and regularly evaluate structural integrity. Understanding the relationships and duties of each person on the demolition site helps to identify who controlled the risky activity and if their decisions caused the accident.
Comparative Fault
Importantly, those injured may be entitled to damages even where they are partially responsible for the harm. Under the state’s pure comparative fault system, even if a claimant is found to be 99 percent at fault, they could still recover for the remaining one percent.
Those not present at the demolition site may also face liability. If a mechanical failure contributed to the incident, we could hold manufacturers responsible for any resulting injuries. Modesto property owners have a duty to keep their locations free of any foreseeable harm, and you could pursue compensation for a demolition injury through premises liability laws with the help of our attorneys.
Contact a Modesto Attorney for Help With Your Demolition Injury Claim
The aftermath of a demolition accident can be overwhelming for individuals and their families. Medical and financial stresses take up so much time and energy. The last thing you want to worry about is advocating for your rights by yourself. A Modesto demolition accident lawyer could help. We are Heavy Hitters™ who know how to preserve important evidence and develop a legal strategy that uncovers how companies failed to protect their workers or the public.
Our lawyers at Curtis Legal Group could review all relevant documentation, evaluate exactly what happened in your case, and speak directly with insurance companies on your behalf. Early legal support could make a big difference to your case, so contact us today if you have been involved in a demolition accident.
