Most of us take for granted that these buildings are structurally sound and safe, but defects in construction and design can cause serious injury and even death when buildings collapse or safety is compromised. Construction workers, building inhabitants and pedestrians are put at risk everyday when defects in construction, engineering or architectural design occur. Determining who is responsible is pivotal to victims trying to claim compensation for their injuries.
Contractors and sub-contractors for construction companies face liability when injury occurs due to the improper construction of a building. Failure to follow blueprints and construction plans, using defective or sub-standard materials and errors or negligence in building procedures can result in serious and catastrophic injury. A person falling from a window in a high rise building because the frame was not properly attached; people being injured or killed when a roof collapses from defective materials; and someone being electrocuted by live wires left exposed are just some examples of the types of consequences that can occur with construction defects.
On the other hand, when people are injured or killed because they fall down a flight of stairs that were poorly designed or when a person is killed from an explosion that results from contact with unmarked gas lines, the liability rests with the architect that designed the building. Similarly, a roof that collapses despite the fact that it was constructed according to plan may leave the engineer that approved the plan liable for the injuries sustained. Even property owners can be held liable for injuries sustained if they fail to provide safety barriers to prevent injuries or engage in decision-making with contractors, engineers or architects that lead to damages.
The bottom line in all of these situations is that someone must be held liable to compensate those affected, injured or killed by the construction defects. Serious injury resulting from construction, engineering or architectural design can leave a person permanently disabled. A family could be left without an income if their loved one is killed. Medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy and prescriptions for those injured can quickly deplete the victim’s savings accounts, possibly leading to eviction and homelessness.
Determining who is liable is essential to bringing a successful lawsuit to claim damages. Consulting with a competent and reliable construction accident attorney can help determine who is liable for any injuries. Individuals who have been injured or families who have lost a loved one as a result a defect in the construction, architectural design or engineering of a building may be entitled to receive compensation. It is important for injured victims to ensure their legal rights are protected in order to claim the highest level of compensation available.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Richard Grungo
A certified civil trial attorney concentrating on personal injury litigation, his innovative trial strategies have resulted in more than $60 million in jury verdicts and settlements in the last 6 years. As a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a designation held by less than 2% of lawyers in the state, Rich Grungo is routinely referred matters from other lawyers due to his experience, resources, and results.
With an emphasis on catastrophic injury and death, he has won major settlements and jury awards in a wide array of matters involving personal injury.
Mr. Grungo is a member of the New Jersey Association for Justice, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and Philadelphia Bar Association.
Rich Grungo lives with his wife and 3 children in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Reference: http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=37561
