A ceiling collapse may seem like a rare or unlikely occurrence, but it is actually quite common. You should always be wary of water spots and bulges that develop around plumbing—especially if you live or work in an older building.
What begins as a small, dark spot on the ceiling can quickly become the neighbor’s bathtub in your living room. This can leave you wondering if you are able to sue for damages caused by a ceiling collapse.
If you have been in a ceiling collapse accident in the Texas region, speak with a ceiling collapse lawsuit attorney right away. Our team at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, will walk you through how to recover from the devastation of a roof or ceiling collapse.
We have litigated ceiling collapse lawsuits and negotiated ceiling collapse settlements across Texas, and we know what it takes to get you back on your feet.
Types of Ceiling Collapses
Ceilings can collapse because of a variety of maintenance and structural issues. Typically, these have to do with landlord or owner negligence. Some of these problems include:
- Negligent long-term maintenance;
- Inadequate or neglected plumbing;
- Improper drainage; and
- Construction or repair defects.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are many more potential causes of ceiling collapses. In all cases, Texas landlords have a duty to their tenants to maintain safe properties. If you are a victim of any of these types of accidents, you may be able to file a ceiling collapse lawsuit. An experienced ceiling collapse lawyer can help.
Evidence in a Ceiling Collapse Lawsuit
If you are injured in a ceiling collapse accident, making sure you and your loved ones get prompt medical attention should be your first priority.
After ensuring that everyone is given proper medical attention, it is important to photograph (or have someone help you photograph) the scene of the accident. When filing a ceiling collapse lawsuit, you will very likely need these photographs as some of your key evidence.
Additionally, you should be prepared to describe anything you observed about the condition of your apartment or office immediately before the collapse. Write down as much detail as you remember, and do not hesitate to ask neighbors what they remember as well.
You should also be prepared to describe the exact manner in which you were injured, whether it was from falling debris, being scalded by leaking hot water, or however your injuries occurred.
Be sure to save all medical bills and receipts, as well as any evidence showing you had to take time off of work. These may be relevant to a ceiling collapse settlement with your landlord or their insurance company.
Dangerous Ceiling Cracks and How They Lead to Collapses
When ceiling cracks appear, they signal trouble. These cracks aren’t just minor annoyances; they can ruin entire ceilings if ignored. Here’s some brief information on how dangerous ceiling cracks form and why they can lead to catastrophic collapses.
Poor Construction Methods
Poor construction methods can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to ceiling stability. Imagine your ceiling as a puzzle; if the pieces aren’t put together correctly, the whole thing can fall apart. Builders who cut corners or don’t follow proper techniques may compromise the structural integrity of the ceiling.
For instance, if they use low-quality materials or fail to secure them properly, the ceiling becomes vulnerable to cracks and eventual collapse. Improper framing or inadequate support can also leave the ceiling unable to bear the weight it’s supposed to hold. Essentially, poor construction is like building a house of cards – it might seem fine at first, but one wrong move, and everything comes crashing down.
Shifting Soil
Shifting soil is a silent threat lurking beneath your home, capable of causing havoc above. When the ground underneath your house moves, it puts immense pressure on the foundation and, consequently, the entire structure. This shifting can occur due to various factors such as soil erosion or changes in moisture levels.
As the soil moves, it destabilizes the foundation, creating stress points throughout the building. Your ceiling, being at the top of the structure, bears the brunt of this pressure. Over time, the constant movement weakens the ceiling’s support system, leading to cracks and, ultimately, a collapse.
Moisture Intrusion
Water is another troublemaker when it comes to ceiling cracks. If water gets into your ceiling, it can weaken the materials holding everything up. Your ceiling can weaken in much the same manner as wet paper. When the ceiling weakens, it’s more likely to crack and eventually lead to a collapse.
Why You Should Never Ignore Dangerous Ceiling Cracks
You must also know what could happen if no one addresses cracks in a ceiling. At first, they might not seem like a significant concern. But as they grow, they become a ticking time bomb. Each day, your ceiling gets weaker and weaker. It’s somewhat similar to playing a game of Jenga – remove one too many blocks, and everything comes crashing down.
Potential Injuries – Or Worse
When a ceiling collapses, it doesn’t just create a mess to clean up. It can be dangerous – even deadly. Imagine being underneath a collapsing ceiling. You’d have no time to escape. The weight of the falling debris can crush anything in its path. It’s a nightmare scenario that’s all too real for those who experience it. A ceiling collapse might cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries.
An Expensive Disaster
And it’s not just the physical danger. A collapsed ceiling can also cost a lot of money to repair. You’ll need to hire professionals to clean up the mess and rebuild the portion of your collapsed home. Plus, if anyone suffers an injury, there could be extensive medical bills to pay. It’s a headache that could have been avoided.
How a Ceiling Collapse Lawyer Can Help
At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we have litigated thousands of personal injury cases, like ceiling collapse lawsuits, all throughout Texas. We draw on the deep experience of our dedicated team—in the courtroom and at the negotiation table—to get you the financial recovery you deserve.
We are serious about getting justice for our clients. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Joshua Lee believes in aggressive, tough advocacy and a client-centered approach to every case. Joshua draws from a wide body of experiences and a robust understanding of the law. Joshua graduated from the New York University School of Law in New York City, which is considered among the best law schools in the world.