Structure collapses don’t usually just happen—they’re often the result of someone’s negligence. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses because of a structure collapse in South Carolina, the aftermath may feel overwhelming. You may be grappling with serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, and countless unanswered questions about how to hold the responsible party accountable. You deserve compensation for the hardships this incident has caused in your life.
Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer may feel like one more task on a long list of worries, but it’s a critical step in getting your life back on track. At Joye Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild. Contact our team today for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights, hold the responsible party accountable, and help you maximize your financial recovery.
Common Causes of Structural Failures in South Carolina
Structural collapses often result from avoidable issues. Understanding the most common causes of these failures can highlight where negligence may have played a role.
Aging Infrastructure
Many areas in South Carolina contain aging buildings, bridges, and roads. Over time, structures deteriorate due to weather exposure, wear and tear, and a lack of proper maintenance. Without regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades, materials like concrete, wood, and steel weaken, increasing the risk of collapse. Cities with historic districts or small, rural towns may face higher risks due to older construction.
Construction Defects
Errors made during the design, engineering, or construction phases can lead to serious structural problems. Faulty designs, low-quality materials, or improper construction methods often cause parts of a building to fail. For example, using substandard concrete in a parking garage or failing to properly secure scaffolding on a construction site creates dangerous conditions. Contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers all play critical roles in ensuring a structure is safe.
Poor Maintenance
Even well-built structures need regular upkeep to remain safe. Property owners and managers must inspect their buildings, repair damaged materials, and address signs of wear before they become hazards. Ignoring issues like water damage, cracked beams, or rusted support systems can compromise the structural integrity of a building. This is especially common in structures like balconies, apartment buildings, and parking decks, where ongoing exposure to the elements causes gradual but significant damage.
Overloading or Improper Use
Structures are designed to handle specific loads. Overloading a floor, balcony, or bridge can cause it to buckle and collapse. For example, a balcony might fail if it supports far more weight than it was designed to handle during a crowded event. In warehouses or industrial settings, placing heavy equipment on floors not rated for that weight can lead to failure.
Severe Weather Conditions
Hurricanes, flooding, and strong winds frequently impact South Carolina. Structures not designed or maintained to withstand these forces face significant risks. Heavy rains can cause soil erosion beneath foundations, weakening support systems, while strong winds may strain walls, roofs, and scaffolding. Events like hurricanes in coastal areas, including Myrtle Beach and Charleston, can magnify these risks.
Inadequate Inspections
Building codes and safety standards require periodic inspections to identify potential issues before they cause harm. However, when inspectors overlook problems or fail to conduct thorough evaluations, unsafe structures may remain in use. In some cases, rushed construction projects bypass proper inspections altogether, leaving hidden dangers behind.
By understanding these causes, injured individuals and their families can work with their attorneys to better assess what went wrong and who may be responsible. Whether a collapse occurred due to an old structure, a construction mistake, or improper maintenance, a lawyer can help you identify the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types of Structures Most Prone to Collapse
Some structures pose greater risks when corners are cut, or maintenance is ignored. These include:
- Parking Garages: Stress from vehicles, heavy loads, and environmental factors can weaken the supports and concrete over time.
- Balconies and Decks: Faulty construction or improper maintenance can lead to sudden collapses, especially when overloaded.
- Scaffolding: Construction sites rely on scaffolding, which may fail if poorly installed or maintained.
- Stairs: Stairwells can collapse due to poor construction, structural fatigue, or lack of maintenance leading to serious injuries.
Buildings Under Construction: Active construction sites involve unfinished structures, heavy machinery, and exposed materials, which can create unstable conditions.
