Clearly if a roof collapses and people are beneath the roof, it is highly likely that people will be injured or quite possibly killed. The potential result of such an accident is devastating. A roof could collapse because it has not been adequately checked or maintained. A roof could also collapse due to some other cause such as an explosion or not being constructed properly.
If a roof collapses at work then you may have a claim against your employer. Basically your employer is under a duty to keep you safe and free from harm. There is a requirement to maintain the workplace and keep it safe. Such requirements are all a measure of degree. Clearly if a roof collapses because it is hit by an aeroplane, there is probably not a great deal that an employer could do about it and they are unlikely to be at fault. Such an occurrence would not be foreseeable.
The most common occurrence that could give rise to a personal injury claim would be a failure to adequately maintain a roof. Due to poor maintenance a roof could collapse and cause injury. In this scenario it is foreseeable as if the roof is not properly checked or maintained, it is likely to come into disrepair. Equally if a roof collapsed in a local shop, causing injury, a right of action would be against the owner of the shop in question.
Another common example is damage from weather or a leak. Water can be destructive to the material of a roof, particular if its plaster or a similar material. A leak that isn’t spotted in time or repaired in time can lead to damage that could inevitable cause the roof to collapse. This sort of thing can happen in rented property when the landlord fails to act on the reporting of a leak or potential problem.
With this type of claim, in respect of liability, a lot will rest on the issue of foreseeability. If something happens that is so unforeseeable then the Defendant (or owner of the premises in which the roof collapsed) is not likely to be at fault. If the roof collapses because it is neglected or not adequately maintained, then a claim is likely to be successful.
Such accidents are likely to result in death or serious injury. Injuries could include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal injuries, neck injuries etc. The injuries in respect of such an accident could be anything. If you have sustained injury and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Make sure you speak to an independent Solicitor like us who can give you advice as to whether or not you have reasonable prospects in succeeding in a claim for compensation. Do not hesitate to contact The Injury Lawyers today. We offer free initial advice and we may be able to act for you in your compensation claim.
