Workers’ Compensation for Building Collapses in Florida

Types of Building Collapses That Could Entitle You to Workers’ Comp Benefits

To qualify for workers’ compensation for building collapses in Florida, you must prove that your injuries were caused by an on-the-job incident like the following:

V-Shaped Collapse

A V-shaped collapse occurs when a supporting beam or structure in the middle of the building gives way. This causes the level(s) above the failed support to collapse inward, creating a V shape.

A-Frame Collapse

This is the opposite of a V-shaped collapse. The center of the structure remains intact, while debris collapses to either side in an A shape.

Cantilever Collapse

In a cantilever collapse, parts of the building remain standing but the entire structure is compromised. For example, say that the front of a three-story building collapses, effectively cutting the building in half. The back of the building is still standing, but the upper floors are now exposed to open air and may not have the support they need to remain in place for long.

Lean-To Collapse

This occurs when half of a building falls and forms half of an A. The name comes from the fact that the resulting debris pile resembles a lean-to.

Pancake Collapse

One of the most dangerous types of collapses, a pancake collapse happens when the building falls straight down. Each level “pancakes” onto the next until something halts the collapse or there is nothing left of the structure.

No matter what kind of collapse you were injured in, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Rosenberg & Rosenberg can help you investigate the incident and pursue the benefits you need.

What Causes a Building Collapse During Construction or Renovation?

It goes without saying that buildings should not collapse during construction, but when there is negligence, they are more prone to disaster. Factors that could cause a building collapse include:

• Negligent building design: In some instances, a building collapse can be traced to the blueprint stage. The architects and engineers should have realized that their design would not remain stable.
• Too much weight on a structure: Buildings can collapse simply because they are forced to bear too much weight. Construction machinery—such as heavy cranes—that have been temporarily placed on the structure can trigger a collapse.
• A construction company’s failure to evaluate and reduce risks during demolition: Even a building collapse done purposely could injure others if safety protocols are not followed.
• Errors with explosives: When demolishing a building, the amount and type of explosives used must be considered very carefully, and those explosives must be handled by experts. Too much or too little explosive could be disastrous.
• Worker mistakes: If a worker who does not have experience in building is hired for the job, their lack of ability could lead directly to a collapse.
• Motor vehicle accidents: If a bulldozer or other piece of heavy machinery hits an unfinished building with enough force, part of the structure could collapse.
• Fires: Something as small as a cigarette or sparks from a power tool could trigger a fire that weakens the building enough to compromise its structural integrity.
• Water leaks: Over time, water leaks or seepage can undermine a building’s supports. As NPR reports, this is how the Champlain Towers condominium in Surfside collapsed and killed 98 people in 2021.

Many Florida Building Collapses Are Preventable

Proper planning, safety protocols, and adherence to regulations are critical in preventing such tragedies. Regular inspections—the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a key role in preserving construction site integrity—and training workers on safety measures can further minimize risks. Additionally, addressing potential hazards in the early stages of construction can greatly reduce the chances of accidents, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

By prioritizing safety at every step, both lives and resources can be preserved, helping to prevent the devastating consequences of structural failure.

The Cost of Failing to Prevent Florida Building Collapses

A building collapse is one of the most devastating accidents that can occur on a construction site. Workers who were in, on, or near the structure at the time of collapse could suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries that lead to temporary or permanent disability
• Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis
• Crushed or broken bones
• Burns, if the collapse was caused by or led to a fire
• Fatal injuries

A collapse could also leave workers trapped in the rubble for hours or days—a truly horrific situation that could lead to catastrophic injuries.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a building collapse while on the job, call Rosenberg & Rosenberg today. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are eager to start figuring out how we can help your family.

Compensation for Building Collapse Accidents in Florida

Almost all Florida workers have access to workers’ compensation benefits, according to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). While this is a valuable lifeline for injured workers, employers and their insurance companies do not necessarily make it easy to access these benefits.

Our legal team has the experience, skill, and commitment to help you secure the workers’ compensation benefits you need to recover from your injuries.

Are You Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Florida?

As long as your employer is insured, and as long as you can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the collapse, then yes, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include:

• Medical care for all injuries caused by the collapse, potentially including mental illnesses
• Up to two-thirds of your lost wages
• Retraining or reeducation expenses for those unable to return to their old job
• Long-term disability payments for anyone who suffered permanent damage (e.g., an amputated limb or severe facial scarring)
• Death benefits

Our Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyers can help you file a workers’ compensation claim by making sure you report your injury to your employer in time, gathering evidence of the connection between the collapse and your injuries, and navigating the entire process on your behalf. We can even file an appeal if the insurance company denies your claim.

Is Workers’ Compensation Your Only Option After a Building Collapse?

In many cases, yes. However, if you can prove that the negligence of a third party—such as a contractor, architect, or engineer—contributed to or was the main cause of the collapse, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against them.

Through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you could recover damages for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries
• Decreased quality of life
• Medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
• Lost work wages or future earnings not covered by workers’ comp
• Wrongful death compensation, including loss of companionship

Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits Versus Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Qualifying for personal injury compensation is more difficult than qualifying for workers’ comp. This is because a personal injury claim requires you to prove liability. In other words, you must show that:

• The at-fault party owed it to you and other employees at the worksite to be careful, obey the law, and do their utmost to prevent accidents.
• The at-fault party failed in that duty and, through their own careless or negligent behavior, caused the building to collapse.
• Thanks to the building collapse, you and your family have suffered undue hardships, including physical injuries, emotional pain, and financial stress.

With a workers’ compensation claim, the only thing you need to prove is that the collapse caused your injuries. Liability plays no role in determining whether or not you get benefits.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, we recognize that this is a very difficult time in your life. Allow us to guide you through the legal process so that you can seek financial compensation without having to divert time or energy away from your recovery.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Rosenberg & Rosenberg wants you to know that you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for a building collapse in Florida. When a collapse is the result of negligence from a third party, we can help you hold the at-fault party accountable as well.

Our legal team always works hard to get our clients the damages they need and deserve. We put a full team of attorneys that includes one of our partners on every case. Call today for a free case review and pay nothing until you win.