What are my rights if a brick building fell into our home and my doctors say that I’m going to be permanently disabled?
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What are my rights if a brick building fell into our home and my doctors say that I’m going to be permanently disabled?
I was covered with about 1500 lbs of concrete and brick. The city knew it was condemned but wouldn’t tear it down. There has to be some kind of code violations here. Is the city responsible? I could of died but luckily my boyfriend got me out.
Asked on December 19, 2015 under Personal Injury, Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The building's owner (which may have been the city at that point, if the city took it over; but could also be a bank, a person, or a corporation or LLC) is responsible IF they knew (e.g. from inspections; from reports of anything falling off the building; etc.) or reasonably should have known (such as based on the obvious visual condition of the building) that it posed a reasonable threat of falling. In that case, it would be negligent, or unreasonably careless, to not take action in light of a known or likely threat. The owner also be liable if he/she/it did not inspect the building or perform maintenance on it in an unreasonably long time, shirking their duty to maintain it and protect others and letting it deteriorate. So the issue as to liability is fault; and the potentially liable party is whomever owned the building and had the power to maintain, etc. it. If you are facing permanent disability, it would be well worth your while to consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss the situation and possibly suing.
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