Manhattan Building Collapse Lawyer

Manhattan is full of beautiful architecture. But despite the impressive appearance of these buildings, nothing has an infinite lifespan. Age, wear and tear, and issues with the original construction can all lead to a collapse. As one might expect, these collapses can be devastating. A Manhattan building collapse can affect not only those inside the building but also people walking past or inhabiting buildings nearby.

For victims of a building collapse, it can be crucial to have the right legal team to help ensure your rights are protected after the dust has settled. Engaging the right Manhattan building collapse lawyer can be essential to making sure that all of the different aspects of your case and injuries are taken into account, helping ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

At Shulman & Hill, we pride ourselves on helping our injured clients in the Manhattan area receive the financial assistance they need to recover from a building collapse accident. To see if you may be eligible for compensation, contact our personal injury attorneys to schedule a free legal consultation.

Reasons that a Manhattan Building Collapse Might Occur

While buildings are constructed with the intention that they will last for many years, there are many variables that can prevent this.

The most common reasons for collapses are often unseen by the general public. Depending on your role on a construction team, they might not be apparent to you as well. Some common issues that can lead to a disastrous building collapse are:

Weak Foundations

If a construction company or contractors try to cut corners to save time and money, it can result in a weak foundation. Damage may go unaddressed for years, particularly if inspections are not done properly or if inspection recommendations are ignored. Sometimes the foundation of a building can be undermined by factors that were not properly planned for, such as extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, or issues related to other construction nearby. Even groundwater changes can affect and weaken a building’s foundation.

Faulty Building Materials

Sometimes the materials that are used to build something are not strong enough to stand the test of time. These materials may have been chosen with the knowledge that they were of low quality as a cost-saving measure. Depending on the unique facts of your case, it’s possible that the property owners, construction companies, or the manufacturers of any faulty materials may be held responsible.

Strength Testing Was Not Performed

There are laws that all parties are required to follow related to strength testing building structures. If these tests are not completed or something is falsified when the testing is done, the building may collapse.

Construction Errors

If workers are not properly trained or supervised, they may make errors that can cause structural failures. Miscommunication can heighten the risk for errors.

Injuries That Are Often Related to Building Collapse

While no two building collapse incidents are exactly alike, there are common types of injuries that you may suffer from if you are ever in any type of building collapse accident. You can be trapped inside sections of the building or debris could fall on you while you are trying to escape. If any objects strike you, you may suffer from head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more. In tragic circumstances, building collapse victims may become trapped underneath fallen rubble.

Other potential injuries include slip and falls, particularly when trying to escape a building, as well as electrocution from exposed wiring. Dust and smoke released by fallen building materials can also cause respiratory issues and sometimes even cancer. These conditions can last long after the original event. Hearing damage can also occur due to the sheer volume of a building collapse.

There can be secondary issues after the collapse that can lead to injuries as well. For those who are working to help clean up the site, injury is still possible, particularly from exposed wiring, fires, trip hazards, and toxic dust. These workers may also be eligible for compensation if they are injured.

Who May Be Liable in a Building Collapse Accident in Manhattan?

In the event of a building collapse, it may be difficult to determine liability.

A building collapse attorney from Shulman & Hill can help you conduct an investigation to identify any responsible parties. Some of the potentially liable parties may include:

• Equipment manufacturers
• A manufacturer of defective materials
• General contractor
• Subcontractor
• Property owner

Our team can gather evidence and build a strong claim for compensation on your behalf. This can allow you to focus on what is most important: recovering from your injuries.

Determining Compensation After a Manhattan Building Collapse Accident

There are many factors that are involved in determining if you are able to seek compensation for your losses and injuries related to a building collapse. If you are injured while working in construction or as a utility worker, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses and time off from work.

If another party other than your employer may have caused the accident, you may be able to hold them financially accountable for your losses. This can help recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more.

Each situation is unique. Shulman & Hill’s building collapse attorneys will look at all of the details of your accident to help recommend the best possible course of action to recover compensation.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill

Shulman & Hill is well-versed in accident claims. We can connect you with one of our Manhattan building collapse attorneys who can guide you through the legal process, from collecting evidence and speaking to insurance companies to negotiating in court and helping you obtain a fair settlement or verdict.

Reach out to us today to set up your free legal consultation or give us a call at 212.221.1000. You will only pay for our services if we win compensation for you.