Houston Roof and Ceiling Collapse Lawyer

Ceiling and roof collapses are dramatic events, but they rarely occur without warning. There is almost always a reason to suspect that a ceiling or roof will fail before it happens.

If you suffered injuries when a ceiling or roof fell on you and you suspect another party’s negligence led to the accident, you could make a claim against that party. You may receive monetary damages to reimburse your costs and lost wages to compensate you for your suffering and inconvenience.

A Houston roof and ceiling collapse lawyer could explain your legal options and help you prepare a claim for damages. Rely on our experienced premises liability professionals at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Roof and Ceiling Failure

If a ceiling or roof collapses, it usually means that it was improperly constructed, poorly maintained, or both. The building’s owner is responsible for providing a safe structure, so if construction or maintenance issues caused the collapse, the building owner is likely liable.

Shoddy construction due to poorly trained laborers could result in ceiling or roof collapses. In addition, sometimes builders use substandard materials to save money. These choices can lead to disaster.

Ignoring signs of trouble eventually could lead to a collapse. Wet or brown spots or mold on a ceiling are clear signs that something requires repair. Similarly, failing to address insect or rodent infestations could lead to ceiling or roof issues. A knowledgeable Houston attorney could investigate the cause of a particular incident and identify exactly what caused the roof to collapse.

The Legal Obligations of Building Owners

Building owners must provide a safe space for tenants and visitors. They have a heightened obligation to prevent harm to the people who use their property.

The owners must regularly inspect the property for hazards, even ones that are not as obvious. They must respond quickly and effectively to indications that something needs repair. If it is not possible to remediate a danger immediately, the building owner must take reasonable steps to prevent harm, including posting signs, limiting access to parts of the building, and other necessary measures.

If a building owner failed to take the appropriate steps to protect the occupants, anyone injured in a ceiling or roof collapse could submit a claim for damages. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, injured people must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. A proactive roof and ceiling collapse lawyer in Houston could ensure compliance with all legal deadlines.

What to Do if a Roof Caves in on You

An individual seeking damages after an accident must prove that another party’s negligence caused their injuries. An injured Houston resident who immediately begins collecting proof strengthens their position and increases the chances that an attorney could help.

Getting medical attention after a ceiling or roof collapse is crucial. If authorities offer an ambulance transfer to be checked at a hospital, it is wise to accept. If ambulance transport is not an option, go to an emergency room, urgent care center, or private physician as soon as possible after the accident. Defense lawyers could assert that claimed injuries are non-existent or not serious if the claimant did not seek immediate medical care.

After a medical consultation, it is also key to take pictures of the collapse from as many angles as possible. If there are pictures from before the collapse that show wet spots on the roof or damage from infestation, those also could be helpful. If tenants requested repairs or made complaints before the collapse, compiling records of these contacts could be useful in proving negligence.

Trust Your Roof and Ceiling Collapse Injury Claim to a Houston Attorney

When a roof or ceiling collapses, it could cause severe injuries that require a long and painful recovery period. During this time, you need to focus on becoming well again. Leave arguing over appropriate compensation to the professionals at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC.

A Houston roof and ceiling collapse lawyer could negotiate with the building owner’s insurance company and fight to get you every dime you deserve. Your time to take action is limited, so get in touch today to schedule a conversation with one of our knowledgeable advocates.