Engineering or architectural negligence can be the main reason that a bridge or overpass failure occurs. Sometimes it is apparent that a bridge might have problems before it fails, but bridges usually collapse when they fail. Many innocent vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians have lost their lives when traveling or walking over a bridge that collapsed. Our knowledgeable and dedicated Northbrook bridge collapse lawyers at Stein & Shulman, LLC have been representing personal injury and wrongful death victims for over 60 years while recovering over $40 million for our clients in cases involving a wide range of legal matters including bridge collapses.
Maintenance Challenges and Structural Stress
Bridges and overpasses are exposed to the elements and constant traffic, which can create stress. These structures should be maintained on a regular basis and subject to timely inspections. This responsibility usually belongs to state and city governments. Due to budgetary constraints and a lack of manpower, many of these structures do not receive proper or sufficient maintenance.
Catastrophic Injuries from Bridge Collapses
Whether bridges are old and worn out or structurally flawed, defective, or deteriorating, bridges and overpasses typically cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Some victims are injured while traversing a collapsing bridge in their car. In these situations, there is not much time nor many options for escape. Many times vehicles will fall into the water, and the occupants will drown. When a bridge partially collapses, vehicles often roll over or are propelled off the roadway causing paralysis, brain damage, and even death.
Structural Integrity and Hidden Hazards
Bridges also are prone to problems and failure when not engineered or maintained correctly. The structural integrity of an overpass or bridge can be compromised by something as small as a pothole. Potholes can start out small but grow larger, causing the area around it to become weaker. Uneven pavement from subtle sinking of an overpass or bridge roadway can create hazards for vehicles that do not expect a change in grade. Bridge and overpass structures that are not constructed to the right grade also will not drain correctly and can cause water to pool, creating a hazard for drivers.
Potential Legal Liability
These are just some examples of how the poor integrity of bridges can lead to accidents for drivers and pedestrians. When a bridge or an overpass malfunction, collapse, or otherwise fail, persons on or around the structure can be severely injured. It is possible for those individuals to hold certain parties responsible. Responsible parties might include engineers, architects, general contractors, sub-contractors, and/or local governments. We can help investigate the incident and determine who might be held responsible so that you can seek justice for your injuries or loss of a loved one.
Contact Stein & Shulman Today
We invite you to contact us if you or someone you love has been involved in a bridge collapse and suffered serious injuries or wrongful death. Our Northbrook bridge collapse accident attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC can provide the perfect balance of experience, expertise, empathy, diligence, and tenacity to help you obtain the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you or your loved one has suffered injury during a bridge collapse, contact us today at 312.422.0500 or email us to schedule your no-obligation free consultation.
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