When a building falls, the devastation reaches far beyond the debris. Survivors face serious injuries, grieving families demand answers, and entire communities question how something that should be safe could fail. These incidents rarely happen without warning—they result from ignored hazards, rushed construction, or poor oversight.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, our construction accident attorneys investigate every cause behind a structural failure. An experienced Houston building collapse lawyer from our firm will focus on identifying the third parties, such as contractors, engineers, or manufacturers, whose negligence contributed to the collapse.
What Causes a Building To Collapse?
Many building collapses stem from a series of preventable mistakes. When multiple parties work on a project, even one oversight can compromise structural integrity.
Common causes include:
- Faulty architectural or engineering designs
- Substandard or counterfeit construction materials
- Misuse or malfunction of cranes, lifts, or scaffolds
- Removal of key support structures or load-bearing walls
- Failure to meet local building codes and inspection requirements
Our attorneys in Houston collaborate with civil engineers, construction professionals, and metallurgists to uncover the chain of errors that led to the building collapse. Each discovery strengthens the case for financial and legal accountability.
Third-Party Negligence in Structural Collapse Cases
In many structural collapse cases, injured workers or bystanders cannot bring a standard negligence claim against their direct employer because of workers’ compensation coverage under Texas Labor Code § 408.001. However, state law allows victims to bring claims against any other negligent entity that caused or contributed to the collapse.
In new constructions, which involve multiple elements, even one oversight can compromise structural integrity. Not all structural failures occur on new construction sites, however. Many collapses involve aging buildings weakened by years of deferred maintenance. When property owners neglect visible signs of damage—such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion—they violate their duty to maintain safe premises.
Our lawyers have experience with building collapses in Houston. We work to identify all responsible third parties, ensuring that victims are not limited to the narrow scope of workers’ compensation benefits. We can help your family secure the financial resources you need for lifelong medical care and stability.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Building Collapse?
Our attorneys can determine liability for the collapse of a building in Houston by examining every stage of the project. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001, the courts must establish each defendant’s percentage of fault through evidence such as engineering analyses, inspection records, and testimony from construction professionals.
Liable parties can include:
- Subcontractors who were negligent
- Developers who ignored site safety concerns
- Design professionals who miscalculated weight loads
- Manufacturers of unsafe equipment or defective building materials
- Property owners who failed to maintain structural soundness or ignored visible deterioration
Each of these forms of negligence can independently or jointly contribute to a building’s collapse. Establishing this chain of causation is essential to holding outside parties accountable under state law.
How Prompt Legal Action Protects Your Claim
In the aftermath of a building collapse, crucial evidence can disappear quickly. Some examples of this are the removal of heavy machinery, alteration of inspection documents, and loss of digital logs. Immediate legal action helps preserve this key information. Our Houston attorneys are seasoned in structural failure cases and can investigate and document the collapse site before any changes take place or evidence disappears.
Speak With a Houston Attorney About Your Building Collapse Case
When a structure gives way, it can change lives forever. Whether a collapse is due to construction defects, ignored maintenance, or corporate negligence, those responsible must accept responsibility.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, we have the resources and courtroom experience required to stand up to developers, contractors, and insurers. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Houston building collapse lawyer and learn how state law allows you to seek justice after tragedy.