Collapses at construction sites in California are common: roof and wall collapses, trench collapses, scaffolding collapses, and structure collapses injure countless construction workers each year. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a construction site collapse, it is crucial to consult with an aggressive construction accident lawyer.
J&Y Law regularly represents victims of collapses at construction sites. While injured construction workers are ordinarily covered by workers’ compensation insurance, benefits are limited and do not compensate injury victims for pain and suffering and other intangible losses. If you were injured in a collapse that was the result of safety violations or third-party negligence, however, it is possible to file a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.
Our experienced construction site collapse lawyers are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand the physical and financial challenges facing you, which is why we offer free consultations and will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. Please contact our office today so we can get started on your construction accident case.
Common Types of Collapses at California Construction Sites
Although construction sites are inherently dangerous, all employers in California have a legal obligation to ensure that the work environment is safe. At J&Y, we have helped injured workers recover just compensation for injuries they have suffered in all types of construction site collapses, such as:
Wall and Roof Collapses
Although wall and roof collapses can occur at various stages of a building’s completion, the risk is higher when a building is unfinished, being renovated, or in need of demolition. Given the weight of the materials involved in building a wall or roof, a collapse can cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Potential causes of roof and wall collapse at construction sites include:
- Lack of proper wall/ceiling support
- Inadequate building materials
- Excessive moisture (e.g. snow accumulation, rainwater)
- Design flaws
Buildings must be carefully designed and properly built to maintain their structural integrity. Regardless of how it occurs, a roof or wall collapse is evidence of a serious mistake during the construction, renovation or demolition of a building. Determining who is ultimately responsible requires the skills of an experienced construction site collapse lawyer.
At J&Y, we will conduct a thorough investigation by examining the accident scene and interviewing witnesses and the parties involved. Our legal team routinely collaborates with a respected network of experts — engineers, architects, demolition experts — to determine the cause of wall and roof collapses at construction sites in California. By working to identify the responsible parties, we help injury victims recover damages for all their losses.
Trench Collapses
Construction trenches are common at commercial, residential or municipal construction sites where workers are required to lay new plumbing and electrical conduits or frame foundations in especially dangerous confines.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the fatality rate for excavation and trenching work is far higher than the rate for general construction; however, trench collapses can be avoided through the use of proper safety equipment.
OSHA requires protective systems for trenches that are 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater (e.g. trench boxes). In addition, OSHA requires protective systems for trenches 20 feet (6.1 meters) deep or greater to be designed or approved by a registered professional engineer. Those working in trenches 4 feet (1.22 meters) must be provided with safe access and egress to excavations, including ladders, steps or ramps. Finally, OSHA standards require all construction trenches to be examined daily for damage by a “competent person” prior to worker entry.
Despite these mandated safety requirements, the most common causes for trench collapses and injuries include:
- Poorly dug trenches
- Improper trench reinforcement (shoring)
- Defective equipment
- Lack of safety equipment (e.g. an escape trench box)
At J&Y, we believe employers that ignore OSHA’s safety regulations for trench and excavation work must be held accountable for injuries suffered by construction workers in trench collapses.
Scaffolding Collapses
Scaffolding is commonly used at construction sites for elevating workers and materials during construction, maintenance, or repair projects. Scaffolding is a temporary structure construction companies typically build very quickly, however, often without sufficient planning and care. This puts workers and bystanders at a significant risk of injury.
Some of the most common causes of scaffolding collapses in California include:
- Poorly constructed scaffolding
- Substandard/defective parts or materials
- Overloaded scaffolding platforms
- Improper scaffolding maintenance
- Vehicle or equipment collisions with scaffolding support beams
When scaffolding collapses are the result of noncompliance with OSHA scaffolding regulations, injury victims have a right to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Whether you are a construction worker or a pedestrian who has been injured in a scaffolding collapse, J&Y Law can help.
When you consult with us, we will work to determine the cause of the scaffolding collapse, identify the responsible party, and choose the best course of action. While we prefer to resolve construction accident claims through negotiated settlements, we are always prepared to go to trial. Our objective is to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve, inside or outside of the courtroom.
Building/Structural Collapses
The most catastrophic collapses at construction sites involve structural failures and building collapses. Structural failures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Design errors
- Inadequate soil preparation
- Improper foundation construction
- Improper truss installation
- Use of inappropriate materials
- Water infiltration
- Manufacturing and product defects
Extensive measures must be taken to correctly and securely build, repair or demolish a structure. When building and structural collapses at construction sites result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, negligent parties must be held accountable.
Although employers, site owners, contractors, engineers and other parties typically attempt to deny any liability for building and structural collapses, our construction accident attorneys know how to hold them accountable.
Contact Our Experienced California Construction Site Collapse Lawyers Today.
If you have been injured in a collapse at a construction site, you probably have concerns about the accumulating medical bills, your loss of income, recovering and getting back to work. At J&Y, our legal team can help to address those concerns by providing you with trustworthy advice and aggressive representation.
When you become our client, we will determine whether you have grounds for a legal action, such as a claim against your employer arising from OSHA violations or a third-party claim against any number of responsible parties: site owners, contractors, site managers, engineers, architects, equipment providers. We have proven strategies for proving that:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care
- He or she breached that duty
- The other party’s breach was the direct cause of your injuries
- You suffered actual damages (e.g. lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent disability)
Above all, we will stand by you every step of the way and fight to recover compensation that considers all your future medical and financial needs. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.