There’s a reason for building codes that contractors and property owners have to follow. Without them, people would be able to build however they wanted, cutting corners to save money and time. But this puts peoples’ lives at risk.
State and local municipal building codes are supposed to require the “best practices” of construction that provide the general public with assurances that construction will be quality work and safe. When building codes are not followed, people are more likely to get hurt.
This article will discuss the types of building code violations that can result in serious injuries.
Premise Liability
The area of law dealing with injuries caused by property defects is called premise liability law. Premise liability law deals with property owners who fail to maintain their properties in a safe condition, thereby causing people to become injured.
For example, property owners, like businesses, must clear ice and snow from their sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots. If they don’t do it within a reasonable time, they can be held responsible for the injuries people suffer when they slip and fall.
This same liability can be applied to contractors who build something that is not up to code, and someone gets hurt as a result. Not only can the property owners be sued, but a lawsuit can be filed against the construction company for not following code.
Common Code Violations that Cause Injuries
When building contractors don’t follow codes, people can be injured. It’s that simple. There are many ways that code violations can ultimately lead to someone getting hurt. Here are some common examples of code violations that lead to accidents:
- Electrical wiring errors
- Lack of handrails on stairways
- Improper step height (rise) and tread depth
- Lack of guardrails on balconies and decks
- No smoke detectors or malfunctioning smoke detectors
- Improperly secured windows on upper floors
- Improperly installed water heater
- Use of shoddy and inferior building materials
- Use of improper building techniques
- Inadequate lighting
All of these building code violations, as well as other code violations, could ultimately lead to incidents that can hurt people.
Examples of Building Code Violations that Lead to Injury or Death
Here are some real-world examples of when contractors and property owners cut corners and didn’t follow the building codes. When this happens, customers and visitors can be seriously injured or even killed.
Improper Wiring
When electricians do not follow electrical building codes and wiring best practices, it can start electrical fires. Also, people can be electrocuted when there are exposed live wires.
Substandard Building Materials
For example, when a contractor builds a deck or balcony that’s high off the ground with substandard building materials and improper building techniques, there are instances where the deck or balcony can collapse. This type of accident happens fairly often and can cause serious injuries and deaths.
Lack of Guardrails
When contractors and property owners fail to place guardrails on balconies, stairs, and decks, there is a huge risk of people falling, especially if the area is open to small children.
No Smoke Detectors
Fires in homes and apartments happen all of the time. That’s why every municipal building code requires smoke detectors. This is especially important for people renting apartments. Landlords may not have working smoke detectors installed or do not routinely inspect them to determine whether they are working.
Every year, people are injured and killed in apartment fires due to landlords not having working smoke detectors.
Have you been injured by a dangerous condition on a company’s property?
If you have been seriously injured due to a dangerous condition while visiting someone’s property, you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
The Nassau County premises liability injury lawyers at the Kohan Law Group are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.