Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the country, with employees required to work with heavy machinery and at great heights. Fortunately, Florida residents who are injured while working in construction can recover compensation for their lost wages and medical bills from their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, so if you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced lawyer to learn more about filing your own claim for benefits.
Cause of Building Collapses
Whether a building is newly constructed or is being renovated or demolished, structural integrity is key to maintaining its stability. Of particular importance to a building’s strength is its internal load bearing elements, which hold up the walls and roof. Any failure in these elements or in a building’s structural integrity could result in a building collapse. Specifically, these types of accidents can often be attributed to one of the following:
- The use of defective or substandard building materials;
- The use of improper bracing during construction;
- Defects in the foundation;
- A failure to test the building site or prepare the soil before construction;
- Inadequate inspection or supervision during construction; and
- Engineer design error.
While it is true that the collapse of a building itself poses a serious risk of injury to construction workers, some of the worst injuries sustained in these types of accidents are actually caused by the debris field created by the collapse. For instance, even employees who are fortunate enough to avoid becoming trapped in a collapsed building are at risk of exposure to smoke, dust, hazardous materials, pathogens from sewer line breaks, and natural gas leaks, all of which can cause serious medical conditions. Some construction workers also find themselves suffering from burns, electrocution (caused by damage to wiring elements in the walls), or injuries caused by falling objects.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Building Collapse Injuries
Florida law requires all construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors to obtain workers’ compensation coverage to reimburse employees for injuries and diseases that arise out of or occur in the course and scope of employment, including any conditions caused by building collapses. Qualifying employees could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. In most cases, these benefits take the form of bi-weekly checks in an amount equalling two-thirds of a person’s average weekly wage. How long a person can expect to receive these benefits will depend on the severity and nature of the injury. For example, workers who sustain catastrophic injuries in a building collapse could be eligible for lifetime benefits.
Were You Injured in a Construction Site Building Collapse?
If you were injured in a building collapse on a construction site and believe that you qualify for workers’ compensation, please call 954-677-0155 to schedule a free, no-obligation case review from one of the experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. today.
