Bridge Collapse LAWYERs

While bridge collapse accidents are rare, when they happen, the consequences can be devastating. Bridges require meticulous construction, maintenance, and regular inspections to ensure their safety. If any negligence occurs during construction or maintenance and the bridge fails, it could cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. 

But who exactly is liable when a bridge collapses? The answer varies depending on the circumstances, but generally speaking, the following entities may be held liable: 

• Bridge designers
• Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Construction companies 
• Government agencies
• Maintenance companies 
• Inspection companies

Holding the responsible parties accountable is crucial to seeking justice for the victims. However, this can be a complex process, as it requires establishing whether the bridge was initially designed and constructed properly, among other issues. 

The statute of limitations may protect bridge designers and builders if a bridge collapses many years after construction. However, in cases like the Florida International University (FIU) bridge collapse in Miami, where the collapse occurred while under construction, multiple parties may be held liable. 

HOW MUCH IS MY CASE WORTH?

The compensation available to victims of a bridge collapse depends on a variety of factors. For example, an injured construction worker has the option to file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer. This claim can provide them with financial support to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

If a bridge collapse lawyer determines that a third party other than the employer contributed to the accident, the construction worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. The amount of compensation available in an injury lawsuit depends on the plaintiff’s claims for damages, which we discuss below.

Compensatory Damages

• Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the injured person for the harm suffered as a result of the bridge collapse caused by negligence.
• These damages are awarded to both compensate for actual losses incurred and to restore the injured person to their pre-accident condition as much as possible.

Compensatory damages can be further categorized into two types:

Economic Damages

• Special damages, also known as economic damages, are awarded to compensate the injured person for actual monetary losses resulting from the bridge collapse.
• These damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages or income, property damage, and other quantifiable financial losses directly related to the incident.

Non-Economic Damages

• General damages, also known as non-economic damages, are awarded to compensate the injured person for non-monetary losses that are often more subjective or difficult to quantify.
• These damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium or companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses resulting from the injuries sustained in the bridge collapse.

Punitive Damages

• Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are not meant to compensate the injured person but rather to punish the negligent party for their misconduct and deter others from engaging in similar negligent behavior.
• Punitive damages are often only awarded in cases where the negligence is considered willful, wanton, or extremely reckless.
• The availability and limits of punitive damages vary by jurisdiction, and not all personal injury cases merit the awarding of punitive damages.

Wrongful Death Damages

• In cases where the bridge collapse caused by negligence results in the death of an individual, wrongful death damages may be awarded.
• Wrongful death damages compensate the surviving family members or beneficiaries for the losses they have suffered as a result of their loved one's death.
• These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other related losses.
• It is important to note that the availability and calculation of damages can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of each case. Legal advice specific to the situation is recommended to fully understand the types and potential amounts of damages available in a personal injury lawsuit.

EXAMPLES OF BRIDGE COLLAPSE LAWSUITS

On March 26, 2024, a large cargo ship ‘Dali’ issued a mayday call before colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. At least six people were missing in the immediate aftermath of the collision, which caused the Baltimore bridge to collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the Baltimore bridge collapse. The attorneys at Wisner Baum anticipate lawsuits in the wake of the incident. 

The most significant bridge collapse litigation to recently resolve stemmed from the FIU collapse in 2018, which killed a construction worker and five people sitting in their cars. The collapse, which triggered litigation that lasted over three years, culminated in settlements worth approximately $103 million.

Another major case followed the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge Collapse in Minnesota. In 2007, the collapse of this major interstate bridge led to 13 deaths and caused more than 100 serious injuries.  

Lawsuits were filed against the state, a construction company, and an engineering firm responsible for the bridge's design and maintenance. The litigation culminated in a settlement worth over $95 million. URS Corp., the engineering firm, paid over $50 million of the settlement.  

ATTORNEYS WITH EXPERIENCE REPRESENTING VICTIMS OF BRIDGE COLLAPSE ACCIDENTS

At Wisner Baum, our compassionate lawyers understand the emotional and financial strain caused by bridge collapse accidents. We have been litigating these cases for decades, as our track record shows. 

​Our first bridge collapse case came in the wake of the Hatchie River incident in 1989. Considered one of the worst bridge collapses in U.S. history, the Hatchie River bridge failure happened when an 85-foot section of the bridge fell into the river after rushing water weakened supports. Eight people died in the incident. 

A federal investigation found that the river channel had moved 83 feet since the bridge was built in 1936, and that the bridge collapse likely happened as a result of the deterioration of timber piles that were originally buried and not designed to be in water.

Wisner Baum handled another bridge collapse that occurred just days later, on April 15, 1989, in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. A wooden bridge spanning the Southern Railway collapsed as a truck attempted to cross, leaving one man dead and two men injured. 

Our firm is committed to helping you navigate the legal process and will fight relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or your family have been affected by a bridge collapse accident, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free case evaluation. Together, we can seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.

If you or someone you know has been harmed because of a bridge collapse, contact the experienced attorneys at Wisner Baum for a free consultation.