Buildings collapse when they are structurally unsound. The structural degradation that causes collapses can occur because of water damage, architectural flaws, substandard construction materials, or unskilled labor.
These collapses often result in serious harm to multiple people at once and, sadly, can lead to multiple fatalities. Other than natural disasters, negligence plays a part in these catastrophic events. When you sustain injuries or experience a loved one’s death, a Williamsville building collapse lawyer can fight vigorously to get you the compensation and sense of justice you deserve. Call Richmond Vona, LLC today to schedule a meeting with a dedicated construction accident attorney.
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Compensation After a Building Collapse in New York
Construction workers are at risk of suffering injuries in a building collapse when structures are built, renovated, or demolished. Construction companies and contractors are bound by New York law to protect these employees. When they do not follow New York’s Labor Code, injured workers may be able to depend on workers’ compensation or compensation from a third-party negligence lawsuit.
Personal injury lawsuits seek compensation to cover what an injured party has lost or paid out of pocket. This includes all past and future hospital and rehabilitative bills, lost wages, property loss, physical and emotional trauma, and a diminished quality of life.
Wrongful Death Claims
If someone killed in a building collapse had grounds to file a lawsuit for negligence, family members can step in and recover damages on the decedent’s behalf. Spouses, children, and other relatives are generally entitled to funeral and burial expenses, emotional trauma, and loss of parental guidance or spousal companionship. A trusted Williamsville attorney from our firm can help families who have lost a loved one or individuals who suffer serious injuries understand their legal rights and options for recovery.
Potential Defendants After a Building Collapse
When someone’s negligence contributes to a building collapse, our Williamsville attorneys scrutinize facts and explore every aspect of the event to identify its cause and all possible defendants. Individuals and entities who can be held liable for a building collapse include the original architect, the current building owner or its management, irresponsible construction companies, and Erie County building inspectors.
What Is Negligence?
For the courts to award compensation following a building collapse or other personal injury accident, the injured party must prove the defendant(s) acted recklessly or carelessly. This means establishing the elements of negligence are present, which include:
The duty everyone has to conduct themselves as reasonable people in a similar situation
The defendant performed below this reasonable standard, breaching the duty of care
The defendant’s unreasonable act is the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries
Defendants can be held responsible for criminal negligence, defined in New York Penal Law § 15.05(4), if the risk the defendant exposes a plaintiff to is unjustifiable and substantial, with a probability that death would occur.
Let a Williamsville Building Collapse Attorney Defend Your Rights
If a commercial building collapses, many people may be injured or killed. When you are hurt or lose a loved one due to another person’s negligence, our team is dedicated to taking the lead in legal matters to help you pursue the appropriate compensation for all you have lost.
ContactRichmond Vona, LLC, to speak with a Williamsville building collapse lawyer about what steps you should take next.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
