Who Can You Hold Responsible for Earthquake Damage
For the individuals residing in California, there is certainly no shortage of natural disasters they may experience throughout their time living in the state. When an earthquake strikes, the damages you may suffer can occur in the blink of an eye. If you have suffered an injury due to earthquake damage, several different parties may be held responsible for your losses.
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers earthquake policies that provide various parts of earthquake coverage, including dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and additional living expenses.
is a personal injury law firm with experience offering trusted legal counsel to individuals who have suffered damages after an earthquake in California. To get help holding the liable party responsible for your unique personal injury claim, contact our team of legal professionals today.
Parties Who May Be Liable for Earthquake Damages in California
Organizations like the International Building Code and International Residential Code have regulations in place that dictate how to build structures to withstand seismic activity like earthquakes. However, contractors and construction companies may not always comply with these regulations. Additionally, some buildings may be very outdated and unable to withstand seismic activity and collapse.
In the event of an earthquake, if a building collapses and you have suffered injuries, it is important that you are able to identify the responsible party for your personal injury claim. Homeowners insurance and insurance companies play a crucial role in covering earthquake damage, including protection for belongings, living expenses, and repair costs. Depending on the specific details of your case, the parties who may be held responsible for earthquake damage, in addition to contractors or construction companies, include the following:
Architects and Engineers
A poorly or incorrectly designed building can fail and ultimately collapse when significant seismic activity occurs. If a negligent design is found to have contributed to a collapse, the architects or engineers responsible may be held responsible.
Property Owners
Property owners hold a duty of care to provide a reasonably safe environment for their guests or tenants. Property owners must stay up-to-date on seismic design regulations, safeguarding the property, and maintaining earthquake insurance that provides sufficient coverage to ensure that the property can withstand an earthquake. This insurance is crucial as it also covers additional living expenses (ALE), which compensate for the extra costs incurred when residents have to live elsewhere while their home is being repaired or their area is evacuated due to an earthquake. If they fail to complete these duties, they may be found negligent and held liable for damages suffered by victims after an earthquake.
Energy Companies
Enterprises like energy companies often use techniques such as fracking or drilling to harvest the planet’s natural resources. Unfortunately, these processes are inherently dangerous and can set off earthquakes as a result. If an earthquake occurred where you live, and it is believed that fracking or drilling nearby may have caused seismic activity, you may be able to hold the energy company responsible for the damages you have suffered.
A personal injury lawyer can help you identify the liable party in your case by launching a full investigation into the specific details of the incident to understand who is responsible for your damages.
Can You Collect Earthquake Damages After an Earthquake?
After being injured in an earthquake due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. When you file a claim, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your losses. Additionally, filing an insurance claim through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) with the assistance of your insurance agent can help you navigate the process and ensure all necessary steps are taken.
The damages you may be eligible to collect are as follows:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate how much you may be owed in compensation for your earthquake injury claim.
Get Help From an Earthquake Insurance Lawyer Today
Earthquakes may be natural disasters that are not controllable by humans, but that does not mean that you are not able to file a personal injury claim when you suffer damages from seismic activity. After suffering earthquake damages, it is important you are able to identify the responsible party so you can pursue justice for your losses. Buying earthquake insurance can help cover damage to belongings, pay for living elsewhere during repairs, and compensate for losses. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide grants for emergency home repairs and temporary rent assistance for those who do not qualify for loans after a big earthquake.
NK Law Group is a trusted personal injury law firm that handles various types of cases, including those involving earthquake damages. To schedule a free consultation, fill out a contact form or give us a call at (510) 519-9497 to begin the claims process today.
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
Naseer Khan, Esq.
June 25 2024
Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.