Florida: Faulty Building Engineering and Maintenance

South Florida residents know buildings and structures must withstand extreme weather conditions. Engineers, builders, managers, and owners of properties need to consider this to ensure that facilities are not damaged or poorly maintained.

To recover all your medical bills and other losses, you can file a premises liability case if you feel someone you love was injured by faulty maintenance or building engineering. The Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyers at Vaval Law handle these complex and technical cases.

2021 Surfside Condos Collapse

On June 24, 2021, a large part of a 12-story condo building in Miami fell to the ground. It took with it 136 residents. The shock and devastation caused by this when it happened spread throughout the Miami community.

The cause of the Surfside Condo Building’s collapse will be investigated thoroughly. Early theories include water leakage and neglect by the owners. No matter the reason, such events shouldn’t happen. It is essential to be sure that the condo building, or any other structure you own, can withstand everyday use.

After liability has been established, those who sustained injuries from the Surfside Condo Collapse will likely be able to file personal injury claims. Family members who have lost loved ones or suffered a tragic loss will be eligible to claim wrongful death compensation. Miami and its surrounding communities won’t soon forget the devastating event that caused many property managers, engineers, and owners to reevaluate the condition of their premises.

Engineers to withstand Hurricanes and Other Disasters.

Florida has beautiful beaches and mild weather. However, it presents significant challenges to builders and others in the construction industry. Florida is often in the path of hurricanes. Engineers and other professionals involved in property design and construction must consider this.

Extreme humidity and subsidence are potential problems affecting building materials and structural integrity. Therefore, anyone involved in the design, construction, or maintenance of a Florida building should take steps to minimize its impact.

Weight limits

A structure’s ability to withstand specific future loads is another crucial aspect of building. In Chicago, for example, the fatal balcony collapse in American history in 2003. It resulted in 13 deaths and 57 injuries. The third-floor balcony collapsed due to excess weight and destroyed the first and second-floor balconies.

Many buildings in South Florida have balconies that allow visitors and residents to enjoy the stunning coastal views. A patio could collapse, whether it’s a hotel, apartment building in a high-rise, rooftop club, or other building.

Building Code Compliance

Florida’s various municipalities have adopted building codes that set minimum standards for safety and health. These codes govern and address issues such as construction, alteration, modification, and repair of public and private buildings.

Failure to adhere to relevant building codes can lead to disaster for engineers, contractors, and others in the construction industry. Additionally, the Florida caselaw allows building code violations to be used as evidence for negligence. This could make it easier for victims to seek compensation for their losses.

Are You a Claimant?

Call a Fort Lauderdale premises lawyer for a free case evaluation if you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in the Surfside Condo or other building collapses. It is often apparent that someone is responsible, but it can be challenging to identify who the at-fault parties are.

After determining your rights, we will help you plan the best way to get the recovery you are entitled to. This could include:

• They file insurance claims against owners, managers, engineers, inspectors, or maintenance crews.
• If the insurance process does not provide enough compensation, you can file a premises liability suit against the relevant parties.
• If many people were affected by the same injuries or losses, they might be able to join a class action claim.

Sometimes, proving liability requires extensive investigation by engineers and building professionals. This can make it difficult to pursue these cases. However, you should not give up your right to compensation. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you prove your claim.