Ohio Injury Due to Structural Defects: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Injury Due to Structural Defects in a Building Causing Collapse throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Defective Property Condition Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Structural Defect & Building Collapse Lawyers: Premises Liability
A structural defect in a building—whether caused by faulty design, negligent construction, or decades of deferred maintenance—is a ticking time bomb. When a foundation fails, a support beam gives way, or a wall buckles, the resulting collapse can cause catastrophic injuries that permanently alter lives, or even lead to wrongful death.
These failures are not unavoidable accidents; they are often the direct result of a property owner, landlord, engineer, or contractor breaching their legal duty of care. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt due to a structural defect or collapse in a commercial or residential building in Ohio, you need legal advocates who understand the intersection of Premises Liability and Construction Defect law.
Our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team is prepared to investigate the complex chain of negligence and hold all responsible parties accountable under current Ohio Statutes.
Establishing Liability for Structural Failure Under Ohio Law
In Ohio, proving liability for a structural defect injury requires demonstrating a failure to comply with established standards of safety and maintenance. We focus on multiple legal theories to secure your compensation:
R.C. § 3781.06: Duty to Maintain Safe Buildings
The Ohio Revised Code § 3781.06 defines a "safe" building as one that is free from danger or hazard to life, safety, health, or welfare, and free from danger of settlement, movement, disintegration, or collapse. A property owner, landlord, or business failing to meet this fundamental standard has violated a specific statutory duty, which can be critical in establishing negligence.
Landlord Duty to Repair (R.C. § 5321.04)
For injuries in rental units or common areas, R.C. § 5321.04 holds landlords strictly responsible for ensuring the property remains in a fit and habitable condition and for making all necessary repairs. Ignoring obvious structural defects such as foundation cracks, shifting walls, or compromised roof supports is a breach of this statutory duty.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Structural failure cases are often complex, involving multiple defendants. We pursue claims against all negligent parties, including:
- The Property Owner or Landlord (for maintenance and inspection failures).
- The Contractor or Builder (for defective construction or use of substandard materials).
- The Architect or Engineer (for design flaws).
Proving Negligence: Expert Investigation is Key
A structural defect case hinges on proving the defendant had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. Our firm immediately takes action to secure the evidence before repairs are made:
- Forensic Engineering Analysis: We retain structural and civil engineers to analyze the failure point, determining if the collapse was caused by building code violations, improper loading, decay, or construction defects.
- Maintenance Records: We subpoena maintenance logs, inspection reports, and prior warning notices (e.g., from tenants, building inspectors, or prior owners) to prove the owner had superior knowledge of the instability but chose not to act.
- Construction Statute of Repose (R.C. § 2305.131): While claims against builders/architects are generally limited by a ten-year statute of repose from completion, this limitation often does not apply to claims against property owners in actual possession and control of the property at the time of injury. We navigate these complex timelines to ensure all liable parties are included.
Damages and Ohio's Statute of Limitations (R.C. 2305.10)
Building collapse injuries are typically severe, leading to life-changing physical and financial damages. Our goal is to recover full compensation for every aspect of your loss:
- Extensive Medical Bills, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Care
- Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Spinal Cord Injuries, and Paralysis
- Lost Wages, Future Loss of Earning Capacity, and Permanent Disability
- Pain and Suffering, Emotional Trauma, and Wrongful Death Damages
The statute of limitations for a Personal Injury lawsuit in Ohio (R.C. § 2305.10) is typically two years from the date the injury occurred. Because physical evidence in structural collapse cases is critical and can be quickly altered, contacting a lawyer immediately is crucial to protecting your rights.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a family member have been injured due to a structural defect or building collapse on negligent property in Ohio, trust our firm to bring the full weight of Premises Liability and Building Code law to your defense.