Building Collapse: Injury Compensation
Las Vegas, Nevada

Building collapse & liability

If you got injured in an accident related to a building collapse, the personal injury attorney at Heshmati & Associates could help.

While no attorney can undo the tragedy of a building collapse and the injuries you suffered, we can make the at-fault party pay for your medical bills and other damages.

We handle cases throughout Las Vegas and Nevada, including visitors who were injured while vacationing here.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at 702-432-1000.

What causes a building collapse?

A building can suddenly fall for many reasons. Sometimes the cause is human error: mistakes during design, construction, or inspection; violations of building codes; neglected maintenance; or structural weaknesses that were ignored for years. Water intrusion, corrosion, overloaded floors, or cost-cutting measures can also slowly weaken a building, making it unsafe.

In other situations, environmental forces play a major role. Strong winds, earthquakes, fires, explosions, or even vibrations from nearby demolition or new construction can push an already compromised structure past its breaking point. When that happens, a building collapse can occur without warning, injuring or trapping anyone inside.

Where building collapse accidents may happen

Las Vegas has unique structural risks due to rapid development, extreme heat, and many older buildings standing beside new construction. Collapses may occur in a variety of places, including:

• Parking garages
• Apartment buildings and condos
• Retail stores and supermarkets
• Construction or renovation sites
• Warehouses, industrial buildings, and older office buildings

When any of these structures are not properly maintained or inspected, the property owner - or another responsible party - may be held liable.

Warning signs that the building might be unsafe

Victims often notice warning signs long before a collapse. Here are some examples of building deterioration:

• Sagging floors or ceilings,
• Unexplained cracks,
• Musty odors, or
• Rusted beams.

Doors or windows that suddenly stick, unusual popping or creaking noises, and ongoing construction nearby can all signal that something is wrong.

All of these are red flags that the building needs serious repair.

If you observed any of these red flags, tell your attorney about it.

Effects of building collapse

A structural failure can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims may be struck by falling debris, pinned beneath heavy materials, or trapped for long periods. Injuries often include broken or crushed bones, internal bleeding, back and neck injuries, and head trauma such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Many survivors also experience PTSD or long-term psychological distress.

Some victims heal completely, but others require ongoing rehabilitation or face permanent disabilities. The severity of these events is illustrated by the 2021 collapse of a South Florida condo building, where 98 people lost their lives.

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Who is responsible for the building collapse?

Although extreme weather or natural disasters can contribute, most building collapses involve some level of negligence. In Nevada, property owners and managers are responsible for repairing hazards, keeping buildings up to code, and ensuring that structural components remain safe.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve one or several parties—such as the property owner, management company, contractors or subcontractors, architects, engineers, material manufacturers, or building inspectors. When someone ignores repairs, uses inferior materials, fails to follow the building code, or overlooks warning signs, they may be legally responsible for the resulting injuries.

Evidence used in building collapse cases

Building-collapse claims require a detailed investigation. Our firm works with experts such as structural and forensic engineers, construction specialists, building inspectors, and architectural consultants to determine exactly what went wrong.

These professionals help review building plans, inspection reports, and code-violation notices. We also examine permits, maintenance logs, repair records, material testing results, CCTV footage, witness statements, and other evidence. In some cases, engineers use simulation software to reconstruct how the collapse occurred. Together, this information reveals why the structure failed and who should be held accountable.

Building collapse compensation

Under Nevada law, the negligent party is responsible for all accident-related damages. Building collapse injury compensation may include medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished earning ability, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Building collapse incidents

November 2024. Emergency response personnel rescued a man trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building on East Chestnut in Louisville, Ky.

May 2022. Three workers were injured, one with life-threatening injuries, after a partial building collapse at South Boston Edison Plant.

March 2022. Nearly a dozen people in Silver Spring, Maryland, were injured following a fire and explosion at a partially collapsed residential apartment complex.

January 2022. A bridge collapse on Nevada highway leaves a construction worker injured. A worker was rescued after being trapped in a building collapse for 3 hours.

August 2021. At least 20 were trapped, 4 hurt in a partial building collapse at La Bonita Supermarket, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Class-action lawsuits and building collapse liability claims

Some building collapse cases result in a class-action lawsuit. For example, when a single incident leads to many people's injuries and loss of life, the injured victims and family members who lost someone in an accident can file a class-action lawsuit. (e.g., in 2021, a Surfside condo class-action lawsuit was brought by families of victims and survivors.)

Can I sue if the building only partially collapsed?

Yes. Partial collapses can cause severe injuries, and Nevada law still holds negligent parties responsible.

What if the collapse happened in a Las Vegas hotel or casino?

Hotels and casinos must follow strict safety standards. If the accident occurred on their property and they were found negligent, they are responsible for all damages.

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What if multiple companies contributed to the collapse?

Nevada allows shared liability. You may have claims against several parties at once.

Can workers injured in a building collapse file a claim?

Yes. Workers may file a workers' compensation claim and may also pursue a third-party negligence claim if another company contributed to the collapse.

Can I sue the city or county for a building collapse?

Yes, but strict deadlines and notice requirements apply. Contact us for more information.

For Las Vegas visitors

If you are a Las Vegas visitor, but you got injured in a building collapse accident in Las Vegas or somewhere in Nevada, the attorney licensed in Nevada must file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Our office handles many injury claims for non-Las Vegas residents who have had an accident while visiting Las Vegas or Nevada.

An accident victim can receive medical treatment in their home city or state and still get compensated for medical bills and other damages.

We collect medical receipts and track the case's progress, from inception to settlement, from our office in Las Vegas. Most of our out-of-state clients never need to return to Nevada unless the court specifically requires it. Once your building collapse case is resolved, we mail your settlement check directly to you.

We can help

Building collapse cases in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada are complex and require a legal team that understands construction standards, building codes, and structural engineering.

If you or somebody close to you is injured in a building collapse, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. Consultations are free.

We will investigate the cause of the collapse, consult with structural and forensic experts, review inspection reports and video evidence, and identify every responsible party. Our goal is to negotiate the strongest possible settlement or take the case to trial if necessary.

Our fee is contingent, and we do not require payment until you receive compensation. You will not incur any legal charges or costs for our time and assistance unless we do our job and secure a trial verdict or settlement for you. This way, we have every incentive to maximize your recovery.

We serve clients in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the rest of Nevada.

We also represent many tourists who got injured while vacationing in Las Vegas or Nevada.

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