Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless you are compensated for your injuries. 

Common Injuries from Structural Collapse

Collapse injuries are often life-changing. The sudden release of energy can cause severe crush trauma, fractures, and internal bleeding. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or amputation. Entrapment under debris can restrict breathing and lead to oxygen deprivation or suffocation. Severe crush trauma can also damage soft tissue and muscle, leading to conditions such as compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle tissue that can damage the kidneys), both of which may cause long-term organ damage if untreated.

Even after initial treatment, many survivors face months of rehabilitation and lasting physical limitations. Medical care may include long-term adaptive equipment or ongoing therapy to restore mobility and independence. These events often result in complex trauma, including crush injuries or spinal cord damage, both of which require extended medical care and careful recovery planning.

Determining Liability in Structural Collapse Cases

Determining liability requires examining how the structure was designed, built, and maintained. Engineers and investigators often review design drawings, fabrication records, and construction logs to identify potential errors. Liability may arise from:

• Defective or improperly rated materials
• Faulty assembly or installation sequences
• Unsafe staging or load distribution
• Improper storage of heavy equipment or goods at height
• Mechanical or rigging device failure

In collapse litigation, attorneys often work alongside structural engineers and safety experts to determine which parties controlled the design, assembly, or load sequencing that led to the failure. Third-party contractors, equipment suppliers, or property owners may share responsibility when their decisions or components contribute to instability. If a product defect played a role, these cases may also involve principles of Product Liability.

Evidence preservation is crucial. Broken parts, connectors, and hardware should be stored with chain-of-custody documentation so engineers can test and reconstruct the event accurately. Recovery may be available where evidence confirms that a defective component, negligent contractor, or dangerous condition was a substantial factor in the collapse.

Investigating a Worksite Collapse

Early investigation is often decisive. Once cleanup begins, critical evidence can disappear. Photographs, video, and drone imaging help capture debris patterns and identify the first point of failure. Measurements, scans, and physical samples preserve information for engineering review.

Documentation fills in the rest of the picture. Construction drawings, lift plans, inspection reports, and sequencing logs may reveal where the project diverged from its design or safety plan. While government agencies sometimes conduct their own reviews, those reports do not replace a private investigation. A personal injury attorney can coordinate technical experts and ensure that notices are sent promptly to preserve parts and data for later testing.

Damages and Recovery Options

The financial and emotional toll of a collapse can be immense. Medical costs may include surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. When injuries prevent a return to prior employment, claims often include lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and vocational retraining. Many laws also recognize compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Economic experts and life-care planners help translate long-term medical and vocational needs into measurable values. Where liability is shared among multiple responsible entities, such as manufacturers, contractors, or property owners, claims may be apportioned to secure a full and fair recovery within the governing legal framework.

Legal Consultation and Next Steps

Because statutes of limitation and notice requirements vary, protecting your timeline is essential. Early legal consultation may be appropriate to preserve your rights and coordinate the expert evaluations these cases require.

Depending on the facts, a collapse may involve product defects, unsafe premises, or broader Construction Accident liability issues. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney helps coordinate medical care, benefits, and the legal recovery process.

Contact the Worksite Collapse Attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a worksite collapse involving a trench cave-in, scaffold failure, or structural breakdown, The Ammons Law Firm can help. Our attorneys understand the catastrophic impact these events have on workers and their families and are committed to pursuing the answers and compensation needed to move forward.

At The Ammons Law Firm, our collapse attorneys work with engineers, construction experts, and industry professionals to uncover what caused the failure and identify every party who may be responsible. We have represented victims of large-scale structural and industrial accidents nationwide and are equipped with the resources needed to handle complex, technical claims.

When negligent construction practices, design flaws, or defective equipment lead to serious injury or loss, our firm stands ready to pursue justice on your behalf. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.

If you or someone you know was injured in a serious accident, contact our Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options. You can also reach us directly at (281) 801-5617.