Can I Sue for Injuries Caused Due to Building Code Violations?

 Posted on September 28, 2020 in Premises Liability

When most people walk into a store, restaurant, hotel, apartment complex, house or another building, they do not worry about suffering an injury on the property. They simply trust that the individuals who designed and constructed the building ensured that the it was safe. In the majority of cases, this is true. However, when a building is constructed in violation of state and local building codes, the structure may have defects that can cause serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one were harmed in an accident and you suspect that the property was not up to code, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

Structural Defects Have the Potential to Cause Severe Bodily Injury

Property owners have a duty to ensure that their property is reasonably safe for the individuals lawfully visiting that property. Although not every injury can be avoided, the property should not contain preventable hazards or unreasonable dangers. If a visitor is harmed on an unsafe property, it is possible that the property owner or manager will be liable for the visitor's damages.

In order to ensure that properties are safe, state and local governments institute building codes. These rules regulate the types of materials and building practices used to construct and maintain buildings. Building code violations can be especially hazardous because they often affect the structural integrity of the building or building components. Some examples of building code violations that may lead to injury or death include:

• Roofs or other building components that are in danger of collapsing
• Weak beams
• Wall bracing mistakes
• Improperly placed anchor bolts
• Use of flammable building materials
• Inadequate fire alarms and fire prevention equipment
• Insufficient number of marked emergency exits
• Defective electrical systems
• Faulty elevators and escalators
• Stairs that are inconsistent in size or otherwise unable to be used safely
• Inadequate lighting
• Dangerous balconies

Hazardous conditions such as these can cause visitors to suffer injuries that incur significant medical expenses and other costs. If a property owner’s negligence causes someone to be injured on their property, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, disability, lost income, and more.

Contact a Lake County Premises Liability Lawyer

The experienced Waukegan personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. have helped countless clients successfully recover compensation after being injured accidents caused by negligence. If you or your loved one were harmed because of a defective or unsafe condition on someone else’s property, we can help you pursue financial compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. Call our office today at 847-662-3303 and schedule a free, confidential consultation to learn more.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57