If you are like many North Carolina residents, you were dismayed when you heard the well-publicized news about the pedestrian bridge under construction that collapsed near Florida International University’s campus last March, killing several people. At the Triangle Law Group, we are aware of the different ways a construction defect can impact others. These include the potential for serious injury or death, as well as litigation against the companies involved.
To revisit the incident, a 950-ton section of the bridge fell and landed on several cars that were stopped at a red light beneath the construction area. Five motorists, as well as one construction worker, were killed, as you may remember. According to the Miami Herald, some of those involved in the construction project were concerned about cracks that had shown up at the point where the bridge eventually failed. Some engineers are theorizing that there was too much stress placed on one support strut, where the cracks had appeared.
The National Transportation Safety Board and other agencies are investigating the incident, and it may take up to two years before the public has answers. You may be interested, but not surprised, to learn that several of the families impacted by the deaths of their loved ones have filed lawsuits against the construction companies.
As this tragedy shows, a flaw in construction can be devastating, not only for the companies involved but for workers and the public. Our page explains more about your options if your company is involved in construction design litigation.
