Structural Failure Accidents: Building Collapse Claims
Structural failures and building collapses represent some of the most devastating accidents possible. When buildings, bridges, parking garages, or other structures fail, the consequences can be catastrophic—multiple fatalities, severe injuries, and life-altering trauma for survivors and families. The 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, which killed 98 people, brought national attention to structural safety issues that have long affected Florida's aging building stock.
Injured in a structural failure or building collapse? Contact Cardinal Law at 239-610-0845 for a free consultation. We understand the complexity of these cases and fight for full compensation.
A Wake-Up Call for Florida
98
Lives Lost at Surfside
30 Years
New Inspection Threshold
10 Years
Follow-up Inspection Cycle
The Surfside collapse prompted significant changes to Florida building safety requirements, including mandatory milestone structural inspections for buildings 30+ years old (25 years within 3 miles of the coastline), structural integrity reserve studies, and new reserve funding requirements. However, these reforms don't address the many existing buildings that have deferred maintenance for years.
Types of Structural Failures
Building Collapses
Complete or partial building collapses from design defects, construction errors, foundation failures, or deterioration over time. High-rise buildings and parking structures are particularly vulnerable.
Balcony and Deck Failures
Balconies, decks, and exterior walkways prone to failure due to water damage, inadequate waterproofing, or improper construction. Often fail during gatherings when under heavy load.
Roof Collapses
Roofs can collapse from excessive weight (rain, debris, equipment), structural deterioration, design flaws, or storm damage. Commercial buildings with flat roofs are particularly susceptible.
Floor Collapses
Floors can fail due to overloading, structural deterioration, water damage, or construction defects. Common in older commercial buildings and warehouses.
Stairway and Ramp Failures
Staircases and ramps can collapse due to structural deficiencies, deterioration, or excessive loads. Often cause severe injuries as victims fall significant distances.
Bridge and Overpass Collapses
Bridge failures, while less common, can cause mass casualties. The FIU pedestrian bridge collapse in 2018 demonstrated how catastrophic these failures can be.
Common Causes of Structural Failures
Design Defects
Architects and engineers who design buildings with inadequate structural capacity, improper load calculations, or failure to account for environmental factors can be liable. Design defects may not become apparent until years after construction.
Construction Defects
Poor construction practices can compromise structural integrity even when designs are adequate:
- Use of substandard materials
- Improper concrete mixing or curing
- Inadequate reinforcement installation
- Failure to follow approved plans
- Poor welding or connection failures
Deferred Maintenance
Property owners who fail to maintain buildings properly allow deterioration that can lead to failure:
- Ignoring water intrusion and resulting corrosion
- Failing to address concrete spalling and rebar exposure
- Delaying necessary repairs identified in inspections
- Inadequate waterproofing maintenance
Environmental Factors
Florida's environment is particularly harsh on buildings:
- Salt air corrosion: Coastal buildings face constant exposure to corrosive salt air
- Humidity: High humidity promotes mold, rot, and material deterioration
- Hurricane damage: Storm damage may weaken structures that then fail later
- Soil conditions: Florida's variable soil conditions can cause foundation problems
Liability in Structural Failure Cases
Structural failure cases often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance coverage. Identifying all responsible parties maximizes potential compensation.
Property Owners
Building owners have a duty to maintain their properties safely. When owners ignore warning signs, defer maintenance, or fail to address known problems, they can be held liable.
Architects and Engineers
Design professionals can be liable for design defects including inadequate structural calculations and failure to account for environmental factors.
Contractors and Builders
Construction companies can be liable for construction defects, use of substandard materials, or failure to follow approved plans.
Materials Suppliers
Suppliers of defective building materials—faulty concrete, substandard steel—can face product liability claims.
Inspection Companies
Building inspectors that negligently fail to identify structural deficiencies may be liable when those deficiencies lead to failures.
Property Management
Management companies responsible for building maintenance may share liability when their negligence contributes to structural deterioration.
Proving Structural Failure Claims
Forensic Engineering Analysis
Structural engineers examine failed structures to determine causes, which may include:
- Physical examination of structural components
- Materials testing to identify defects or deterioration
- Review of original design documents
- Computer modeling of structural behavior
Documentation Review
Extensive document review is typically required:
- Original architectural and engineering plans
- Construction permits and inspection records
- Maintenance records and repair history
- Previous inspection reports identifying problems
- Board meeting minutes (for condominiums)
Injuries from Structural Failures
Structural failure injuries are often severe due to the violent nature of collapses. Victims may face lifetime medical needs and permanent disabilities.
Crush Injuries
Victims trapped under debris may suffer severe crush injuries requiring amputation, causing permanent organ damage, or proving fatal.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma from falling debris or impacts during collapse can cause permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The forces involved in collapses frequently cause spinal injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis.
Psychological Trauma
Survivors often experience severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression that can be as debilitating as physical injuries.
Time Limits for Structural Failure Claims
Florida imposes strict deadlines for structural failure claims:
Personal Injury
Generally two years from the date of injury (per Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a))
Wrongful Death
Two years from the date of death
Construction Defects
Complex statutes of repose may limit claims against design and construction professionals
Government Claims
Much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as little as three to six months
Given these deadlines and the complexity of investigating structural failures, consulting with an attorney quickly after any structural failure is essential.
Injured in a Structural Failure?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a structural failure or building collapse in Florida, the structural failure attorneys at Cardinal Law can help. We understand the complexity of these cases and have the resources to investigate thoroughly and pursue all liable parties.
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