A structure collapse — whether a partial roof cave-in, falling concrete, or a total building failure — can lead to devastating injuries or death. These incidents are often sudden, traumatic, and preventable. They typically result from negligence, unsafe construction practices, or the failure to maintain a building properly. Victims of structure collapse accidents may include workers, visitors to the property, or others who happen to be in the area when the tragedy occurs.

At Morris James, our personal injury attorneys represent individuals and families who have suffered the consequences of structure collapse accidents. We investigate what went wrong, identify all responsible parties, and work to hold them accountable — whether that’s a negligent property owner, contractor, engineer, or product manufacturer.

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a structural collapse, our legal team is here to provide clear answers, attentive service, and the support you need to move forward. We offer free consultations, and you only pay if we recover compensation for you.

What Causes Structural Collapses?

Structural failures can happen on construction sites, in the workplace, or in public or residential buildings. Common causes include:

  • Design or engineering flaws
  • Poor construction practices
  • Overloaded or weakened supports
  • Failure to comply with building codes or safety regulations
  • Neglected maintenance or ignored structural warnings
  • Heavy equipment misuse or accidents
  • Unstable soil or foundation issues

These failures often result in serious injuries, including spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities.
Our firm works with structural engineers, safety experts, and investigators to determine the root cause of each collapse and establish liability.

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Team Leaders

Michael G. Owen
Partner
Keith E. Donovan
Managing Partner

We Handle All Types of Collapse Injury Cases

Morris James has decades of experience representing clients injured in:

  • Roof or ceiling collapses
  • Falling debris or masonry
  • Scaffold or platform failures
  • Stairway and balcony collapses
  • Trench collapses and excavation cave-ins
  • Partial or total building failures
  • Wall or floor collapses

These cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple negligent parties—such as contractors, subcontractors, engineers, or property owners—and require dealing with several insurance companies and legal teams. Our attorneys are not only skilled investigators and negotiators; we are experienced litigators who are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Structure Collapse FAQs

What should I do if I’m injured in a structure collapse?

Get immediate medical care. Report the accident to the property owner or manager. If you can, take photos or videos of the scene and gather witness contact information. Avoid speaking with insurance companies before talking to an attorney who can protect your rights.

Who is liable for a building collapse?

Depending on the facts, responsibility may rest with the property owner, construction company, subcontractors, engineers, architects, or equipment manufacturers. Typically, any liable parties will carry insurance so their insurers will also be involved in any claim. We will investigate and identify all liable parties.

Can I still recover compensation if I was injured at work?

Yes. If your injury occurred on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits — and in some cases, you may also have a third-party personal injury claim. We handle both and can help you understand your full legal options.

How do you prove negligence in a collapse case?

We examine construction records, maintenance logs, structural plans, safety reports, and past violations. Our team also consults with expert witnesses to determine exactly what went wrong and why.

What if a loved one died in a structure collapse?

We can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members. These claims may provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, emotional suffering, and more.

Is there a deadline for filing a structure collapse claim in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the incident, however there are some specific exceptions to this time limit. Don’t wait — speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

What does it cost to hire your firm?

We represent structure collapse victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.

Structural collapses can cause life-altering harm. If you’ve been injured in a Delaware structure collapse, Morris James is here to hold the right parties accountable and help you move forward with confidence. Call us at 302.655.2599 or fill in our contact form below.

Connect with the Catastrophic Accidents & Serious Injuries Group at Morris James

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Ashley C. Curran

Ashley C. Curran

Associate
Keith E. Donovan

Keith E. Donovan

Managing Partner
Matthew R. Fogg

Matthew R. Fogg

Partner
Kevin G. Healy

Kevin G. Healy

Partner
Michael G. Owen

Michael G. Owen

Partner
Susan D. Ament

Susan D. Ament

Retired Partner
Clayton E. Bunting

Clayton E. Bunting

Of Counsel