When a large structure such as an apartment complex, hotel, or grocery store topples over, the wreckage it leaves behind can be quite extensive. When you are hurt in this type of situation—whether you were working or not—you may be eligible for financial restitution to cover your losses. For example, if you were performing repairs on an apartment when the ceiling collapsed on you, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if your house crumbled because a negligent home inspector failed to check for structural damage, you may have a fault-based claim.
A Summerlin building collapse lawyer at Shook & Stone welcomes the opportunity to fight for your rights and connect you with vital resources so you can support yourself and get the medical assistance you need. Our team of construction accident attorneys has decades of experience, earning us a hard-won reputation as formidable foes and compassionate allies. We take the time to understand what happened to you and how it has impacted your life. The legal professionals at our firm could work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Examples of Negligence in a Structural Collapse
When contractors, builders, landlords, electricians, and other professionals cut corners or make mistakes during inspections, repairs, or the construction of an establishment, it increases the risk of the structure caving in. For example, when someone performing electrical work on a house fails to make sure they install the new wires correctly or ensure compatibility, it can cause a fire. Likewise, a builder may elect to purchase cheap and unreliable materials to keep costs down and boost profits, which can result in poor workmanship and a preventable collapse down the road.
Property owners—like landlords and shopkeepers—can also contribute to a building crumbling. For example, if the property manager for an apartment complex fails to address a leaky pipe, the water may cause structurally important wooden beams in the ceiling to rot, disintegrate, and fall on top of an unsuspecting family. Additionally, a poorly planned demolition of a building may lead to injuries or deaths that could have been avoided if not done with proper care and notice to the surrounding residents.
When you or your loved one is hurt because of a structural collapse in Summerlin, the attorneys at Shook & Stone could help identify possible avenues for compensation and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. For example, our knowledgeable lawyers could request property records and view photographs of the scene to see if unaddressed maintenance requests or known defects may have led to the incident.
Securing Compensation for an Injury
When you are hurt by a large structure crumbling, you have several options in terms of holding the at-fault party accountable in court or recouping your losses. For instance, if the incident occurred while you were at work, Nevada Revised Statutes § 616C.020 may entitle you to receive benefits under the insurance program for injured employees. In this scenario, you can access financial relief regardless of whether you can prove your employer or someone else is at fault for what happened.
If a negligent individual or agency did cause the resulting accident, you may have grounds to sue those responsible by leveraging fault-based liability laws. Under N.R.S. § 11.190, you have several years to take this step, depending on your specific situation and the type of claim. A Summerlin attorney who regularly handles cases involving building collapses could review the circumstances that led to your injury and determine what filing deadline applies.
Additionally, if you currently have a disabling condition that makes it impossible for you to be gainfully employed, you may be able to seek relief under the Social Security disability laws, such as those found in 42 United States Code § 423. If you successfully apply for this program, you may receive these benefits for as long as you cannot work because of your limiting condition.
Call the Attorneys at Shook & Stone After a Building Collapse in Summerlin
When you experience life-altering injuries like broken bones, limb loss, severe head trauma, or internal organ damage due to a collapsed structure, receiving timely and decisive financial assistance can make a difference in your ability to recover.
Shook & Stone cares deeply about helping those who are hurting gain access to a wealth of financial assistance available under the fault-free and fault-based systems in Nevada. Instead of worrying about how to make ends meet while bedridden at a hospital or your home, you can rest easy knowing that you and your family have the resources you need. Reach out to our team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Summerlin building collapse lawyer at our firm.
