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.
NK Law Group 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 Additionally, some buildings may be very outdated and unable to withstand seismic activity and collapse.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. 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. 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 the 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 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.
The damages you may be eligible to collect are as follows:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
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 Injury 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.
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, contact us here or give us a call at (510) 519-9497 to begin the claims process today.
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
Naseer Khan, Esq.
July 26 2023
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.