Commercial buildings, like any other property, need to be maintained.
Warehouses, office buildings, retail buildings can have considerable numbers of individuals using the premises all or partly, day or night.
These constructions must observe the building and safety code provisions required by common law or local governments.
Commercial buildings must have well-constructed, safe, inspected, and certified elements such as:
- Roofs
- Skylights
- Elevators
- Escalators
- Parking facilities
When they do not, severe commercial building accidents can happen, causing catastrophic or even fatal injuries. If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a commercial building accident because of a building or safety code violation, we are ready to help.
Injuries caused on properties that fail to meet local or state building code standards may be grounds for premises liability lawsuits. However, in court, as an exception, plaintiffs may be required to meet a high burden of proof for establishing causation in their premises liability claim. At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, our Miami commercial building accident lawyer has the skill and commitment to handle your claim. We help you by holding the liable parties responsible for your injuries and getting you the settlement or jury verdict that you deserve.
Establishing Responsibility for Injuries Caused by Building Code Violations
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational accidents involving falls, slips, and trips in commercial buildings kill about 880 people and injure about 244.000 people over just one year throughout the country.
Like other states, Florida has safety codes defined in the Florida Building Code that property owners must observe when it comes to commercial buildings. The purpose of the Code is to ensure public safety and support its awareness. Building safety codes establish that buildings and structures:
- Are structurally sound
- Are constructed properly
- Have adequate fire escape routes
- Are safe and reasonably clean or sanitary
Routine inspections should assure that commercial buildings are up to code. Commercial buildings that are not properly maintained and are not up to code can lead to severe accidents and preventable injuries.
Accidents Due to Building Code Violations
Here are several common building code violations that could lead to severe injuries:
- Old and brittle skylights
- Crumbling or leaking ceilings
- Improperly maintained elevators
- Defects in the structure of the building
- Broken or missing handrails, stairways
- Uneven steps or inconsistent depth between steps
- Uneven curbs that do not have adequate warnings
- Broken or inadequate fire protection, fire code violations
- Substandard electrical wiring
- Insufficient lighting near stairs and curbs
- Lack of well-placed and lit exit signs
- Issues with gas fittings, gas pipes, etc.
- Locks placed inadequately on the exterior of the building
- Lack of non-slip mats on slick surfaces
- Downspouts that favor water to pool and create slippery surfaces
- Handicap access problems
If a commercial building accident has happened to you or someone in your family, you may recover compensation through a lawsuit against the company that owns the building.
Companies that own warehouses or office buildings must ensure that their buildings are accurately maintained and safe. They must ensure workers and visitors avoid getting hurt. This includes the obligation of making sure that the building complies with all relevant building and safety codes.
Besides the building owner, the company that installed or maintained defective elements may be liable. This scenario may be real when a manufacturing or design defect caused or contributed to the injuries.
What Are the Types of Compensation You Can Get After a Commercial Building Accident?
Liability in commercial building accident cases is not always straightforward and easy to establish. Our attorney will investigate your case to determine the specific causes of the accident.
If a building code violation was part of the cause of the accident, we might help you hold the liable parties accountable and seek damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses
The damages in a suit will differ depending on the type and extent of the injuries sustained.
In Florida, you must file a commercial building accident claim within a specific time frame, known as the statute of limitations. You have four years to file a claim for injuries. The clock typically starts running when you suffer an injury, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Injured in a Commercial Building Accident? Contact The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary
Property owners must ensure that their buildings and structures are in safe working order so that workers or visitors are not injured in preventable accidents.
If a building or safety code violation led to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injuries.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, our dedicated Miami attorney has successfully helped many victims in Florida resolve their commercial building accident claims. We can help you as well; contact us today for a free case evaluation. Failing to file a claim within the allowed period of time could mean losing your right to compensation.