Many people are not aware that their property is structurally unsound. It is important to recognize the signs that a building may be headed towards a structural collapse. An unexpected floor collapse can seriously injure several people. If you or a family member was seriously injured when a floor collapsed, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia floor collapse injury attorney. At the Reiff Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping you discover the negligent party responsible for your injuries after a floor collapse. Our legal team has over 40 years of combined experience, and we are prepared to use that experience to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. The Reiff Law Firm is here to explain what causes floors to collapse.
4 Common Signs That a Floor is Structurally Unsafe
A floor collapse typically occurs because a property owner did not recognize the progressing signs of a loss of structural integrity in their building. For example, if there is evidence that a structure has rotten wood beams, this can be an issue that can lead to a floor collapse. It is important to recognize the signs of an unstable floor to avoid a collapse and serious injuries like a head injury or spinal injury caused by falling from a great height. The following is a list of common signs that a floor is structurally unsafe.
Bulging Walls
Leaning or bulging walls are a common sign that a property may have a structural issue. A variety of circumstances can cause this issue. For example, if a property is in the vicinity of heavy traffic and other problems that may cause vibrations in the home, this can slowly wear down the integrity of a wall. You should also be aware of a property that has especially thin walls that cannot support the height of the building.
Excessive Weight on a Floor
The weight limits for the floor of a building should be considered when the structure is being built. For example, a floor of an office building is generally designed to hold a lot more weight than a floor in a residential home. However, if load-bearing supports are not installed properly, this can cause a floor to collapse.
Additionally, some floor collapses can be caused by an excessive amount of people standing or jumping in an already weak area of a floor. It is important to know the structural integrity of a residential property before inviting several people into a home.
Damaged or Rotten Wood
There are multiple reasons why wooden support beams in a home can be damaged. For example, if a serious flood affected the home or the humidity of a basement is unusual, this can wear down the wood in a home.
Additionally, another issue that could cause rotten wood is the existence of termites. Termites typically consume wood from the inside out. This can make it difficult to notice whether a property has a termite problem. Common signs of a termite infestation include wooden beams that sound hollow or hearing faint scratching sounds within a wall.
It is also important to note that bouncing floors are another sign of rotting wood. A bouncing floor is a floor that feels pliable like a trampoline.
Uneven Floors
An uneven floor means that ground in your home may be shifting to one side. An easy way to tell if a property has an uneven floor is by spilling water and waiting to see if it always rolls in a certain direction. Another issue that can arise from an uneven floor is a door that cannot fit within its frame, and that has cracks around the frame.
Building a Structure with Cheap Materials
When building a new home or building, some construction companies elect to cut corners or use cheap materials to conserve money. This can result in a building with questionable structural integrity.
A floor collapse injury can occur at a construction site if the floor is made heavier than the support beams that hold it up. Many floor collapses occur when workers begin to pour the concrete that forms the floor. If the materials used to support the floor were not high-quality, some workers could be injured if the floor falls because the concrete was too heavy.
This is not a complete list. There are many other signs that a floor could collapse and injure individuals who are above or beneath the floor when it falls.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You File a Floor Collapse Claim
If you or a family member was seriously injured due to a floor collapse, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. The injury attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm are ready to provide you with the aggressive legal representation necessary to build your claim. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
