Top Causes of Building Collapses on Construction Sites

Our dedicated attorneys have in-depth experience in construction sites and help you pursue your claim and build a compelling case to ensure the at-fault party is held accountable.

Building collapses on construction sites are, but they can happen. And when they do, it can cause catastrophic injuries or, in extreme cases, death. But what causes a building to collapse during construction? Here are common causes of building collapses in New York.

Are you a construction worker injured in a building collapse accident in New York? Contact the construction accident attorneys from the Apicella and Schlesinger Law Firm.

1. Use of Substandard Materials

Building owners may decide to cut corners when purchasing building materials and compromise the resilience of the whole structure. For example, using inferior cement, steel, and bad concrete mixes creates a weak structure and affects a building’s integrity. Meaning, as the building goes up, it may not survive heavy loads without collapsing. On the other hand, using top-quality building materials can boost strength and prolong the life of a building.

2. Design and Drawing Flaws

A sound design is critical to the construction of the overall building. The design determines the height and strength of a building. Therefore, a slight mistake in the drawings can jeopardize the whole project.

In some cases, the drawing may have a printing error, which will be transferred to the actual project. As a result, the building might collapse, resulting in injuries or deaths.

3. Foundation Problem

The foundation is the most crucial part of any construction – it’s critical to the stability and durability of the entire building. It must be strong enough to keep moisture from the structure.

However, if the contractor takes a shortcut when building the foundation, the building might collapse and crush the workers.

4. Heavy Machinery

The weight and sound of heavy construction machineries such as bulldozers, excavators, or cranes may damage a building’s foundation. As a result, the structure will be weak and more weight may cause it to collapse.

Also, with so much construction work in New York, deep excavation in the adjoining properties may surpass the base of an existing building and cause the existing building to collapse.

5. Structural Damage

Repairing and renovation projects can take a toll on the integrity of a building. A renovation mistake may cause a risky alteration to the building’s structure. For example, renovations may put more load on the building than it can handle, thereby creating structural stress and causing partial or the entire building to collapse.

Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Building Collapse?

Some of the parties you can hold responsible for a building collapse include:

  • Architect
  • Material supplier
  • Property Owner
  • Engineers
  • General contractors

Call the Apicella and Schlesinger Law Firm

Are you a construction worker injured in a building collapse accident in New York? Contact attorneys from the Apicella and Schlesinger Law Firm. Our dedicated attorneys have in-depth experience in construction sites and help you pursue your claim and build a compelling case to ensure the at-fault party is held accountable, and you are well-compensated. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

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