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A collapsing roof can be a devastating incident and may result in minor or severe injuries, property damage, and sometimes death. According to recent statistics, there are about 3,000 roof collapses in the United States every year. While some roof collapses may be due to natural causes, including age or weather events, others often occur from structural defects, negligence, improper installation, and failure to warn.
Furthermore, a roof collapse may result in various personal injuries, including back and neck injuries, fractures, internal bleeding, puncture wounds, and psychological trauma. Thankfully, victims of the roof collapse may be eligible to recover fair financial compensation to cover their medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and other available damages. In this post, we will explore some causes of collapsing roofs, legal considerations, possible options to recover damages, and whether you may qualify for lawsuit funding.
Common Causes of Collapsing Roofs
A collapsing roof can be described as a sudden and catastrophic incident whereby the roof of a building or structure caves in. Some common causes of collapsing roofs include:
- Structural defects
- Lack of proper inspection, maintenance, and repairs
- Failure to comply with building codes
- Defective or substandard materials
- Weather events, such as high winds, hurricanes, excessive snowfall, and tornadoes.
- Failure to inspect and repair the roof.
- Improperly installed roof equipment.
- Failure to warn of dangers.
Unfortunately, a collapsing roof may cause serious injuries to victims, damages to their property and personal belongings, or even loss of lives.
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Common Personal Injuries from Collapsing Roofs
Here are some of the most common personal injuries from collapsing roofs:
- Head and neck injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
- Back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs, whiplash, and fractures, can result in serious pain, long-term disability, and mobility issues.
- The force of a collapsing roof may result in multiple broken bones or fractures, which may require surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.
- Crushes and impact of the collapsing roof can damage internal organs or cause internal injuries, which may lead to severe complications and life-threatening health problems.
- Falling debris from the collapsing roof can cause lacerations, cuts, puncture wounds, and soft tissue injuries.
- In addition, witnessing such a devastating event may result in emotional distress and mental trauma, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The Next Steps to Take After a Roof Collapse
Being involved or sustaining a personal injury from a collapsing roof incident can be emotional and unsettling. Here’s what you need to do after a roof collapse, where possible:
- Evacuate the building immediately and get to safety.
- Call 911 to report the incident and seek emergency medical assistance.
- Take photos and videos of the damaged roof or structure.
- Document your injuries, medical expenses, and hospital visits.
- Document how the incident has affected your day-to-day life, mental health, and ability to work.
- Inform your insurer that you were injured in a collapsing roof incident.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your legal options and seek damages for your injuries.
However, it is important that you act quickly after the roof collapses to avoid losing important documentation or forgetting vital details about the incident. An experienced attorney can determine the best way to proceed with your case and guide you through the legal procedures involved.
Legal Considerations Following a Roof Collapse
If you were involved in a collapsing roof incident, you may have various legal grounds to pursue financial compensation for your personal injury and property damages. These include:
Filing a Premises Liability Claim
According to the legal principle of premises liability, a property owner has the legal responsibility to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors or warn them against potential dangers. If a person who was lawfully on the property sustains an injury due to the defective or unsafe condition of the building – such as a faulty roof – the negligent homeowner may be held liable through a premises liability claim.
Filing a Product Liability Claim
Furthermore, the legal doctrine of product liability seeks to hold the producer or seller of a particular product responsible for any injury, harm, or damage caused by such a defective, faulty, or dangerous product. Hence, if the collapsing roof was a result of defective equipment or materials, the manufacturer or seller may be held responsible. In such situations, you may file a product liability claim against the designer, manufacturer, or seller of the roof.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
However, if you suffered a personal injury from the collapsing roof during the course of your employment – or while working on the site as an employee – you can file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer to seek benefits. The workers’ compensation benefits will help cover your medical bills, lost wages, disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.
Whether you choose to file a premises liability, product liability, or workers’ compensation claim, negotiating with the insurer and seeking damages may take an extended period. While you wait for your case to settle, you may consider applying for a settlement loan to get the immediate funds you need to meet your financial obligations.
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What Can You Do With the Lawsuit Funding?
Additionally, the lawsuit loan is non-recourse and risk-free, and you can use it to meet your basic needs. These include:
- To pay for your daily living expenses
- To pay for your medical bills and the cost of surgery
- To purchase food and groceries for your family
- To meet your primary needs.
- To get temporary accommodation – if your house was affected.
- To make car payments.
- To pay your mortgage, rent, and utilities
Generally, the cash advance from the legal funding belongs to you, and you can use it for what pleases you.
Contact Us Today for Affordable Lawsuit Loans
If you suffered a personal injury from a collapsing roof incident, you may apply for a settlement loan before your case settles. Contact us today at High Rise Financial to apply for our risk-free lawsuit funding. Our financial specialists will enlighten you about your legal funding options and walk you through the application process.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.