Throughout the course of modern history, the standards for the construction of buildings have been elevated significantly in response to growing awareness about different potential structural failures and ways to prevent them or to reduce the likelihood that they will occur. But in spite of advances in engineering, design, and building codes there are still an alarming number of construction defects that arise and cause serious injuries or death to the occupants of buildings, or even in some cases to persons in the vicinity. People who suffer injuries attributable to construction defects may be able to pursue a legal action against the negligent party responsible for the failure.

Identifying the true proximate cause of a construction defect can be a challenging task that requires substantial investigative efforts from professionals who are familiar with the process of uncovering the truth in these difficult situations. Typically, the first step that you should take is to consult with a skilled and experienced attorney who can offer you legal advice and dedicated representation. Having a strong ally in a contentious matter can help you to ensure that you take all the appropriate measures and seek all the available compensation to which you are entitled.

Common Construction Defects

Part of the reason that resolving the legal issues in a construction defect case can be so complicated is that there are usually many different individuals and companies involved in the erection and maintenance of a building. At any phase of the process, failures can introduce the conditions that eventually lead to an individual’s injury. Design flaws, faulty materials, construction errors, and inadequate maintenance can all create a recipe for disaster. It is important that your legal action targets the appropriate entities because filing suit against the wrong party can cost you the financial compensation that you deserve.

Though it is conceivably possible for any part of premises to be flawed in a manner that is potentially hazardous to public health, there are some defects that tend to be more dangerous and to appear more frequently than others. Some of the most common or dangerous construction defects include:

• Stairway collapse
• Porch collapse
• Roof collapse
• Insufficient structural support (either beams or flooring)
• Exposed wires
• Improperly installed wiring and outlets
• Excessively flammable materials

Take Action Now

If you have been hurt as a result of a construction defect, then you have a limited amount of time in which to pursue a lawsuit. Contact the Des Moines personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C., today.