Building Code Violations And Negligence In Premises Liability Lawsuits

Local municipalities, Erie County, and New York State have enacted various building codes and other standards to ensure public safety. These codes regulate the construction, repair, and maintenance of shopping malls, residential properties, and large office buildings. When building code violations and other property owner negligence occur, devastating personal injury accidents are bound to happen. Suppose you, or a loved one, were injured as a guest or visitor on someone else’s property. In that case, you may be entitled to pursue a premises liability lawsuit against the owner or other responsible party.  

Common Types Of Code Violations And Negligence 

Unfortunately, these violations occur more often than most people would think. While some minor building code violations may not pose substantial safety risks, others can be hazardous. Some of the most dangerous building code violations include:

1. Defects or other deficiencies in the structure of a building;
2. Leaking or crumbling ceilings;
3. Broken, weak, or missing handrails on stairs;
4. Cracked, loose, or decayed steps;
5. Uneven steps or irregular distances between steps;
6. Substandard balconies;
7. Defective wiring;
8. Inadequate lighting;
9. Substandard or clogged drain pipes; 
10. Improper installation of escalators or elevators;
11. Inappropriate maintenance or repairs of escalators or elevators; and
12. Uneven curbs that lack suitable warnings.

Accidents Caused By Code Violations

Building code violations, caused by substandard construction, shoddy repairs, lack of maintenance, or other unsatisfactory conditions, frequently the cause of various accidents, including:

1. Deadly electrical fires;
2. Electrical shocks;
3. Slip and fall accidents;
4. Falls down stairs;
5. Elevator misleveling accidents;
6. Elevator shaft falls;
7. Elevator door accidents;
8. Ceiling cave-in accidents;
9. Exposure to toxic chemicals or gasses; and
10. Building collapses.

The unfortunate truth is that accidents caused by property owner negligence can happen anywhere and at any time. Many premises liability accidents are preventable with the proper care, especially when building code violations are the cause. 

The Responsibility Of All Property Owners

The Division of Building Standards and Codes was designed to ensure the construction of safe and dependable buildings throughout the Empire State. Every building must meet specific minimum standards to protect the safety of guests, tenants, and employees alike. Additionally, all property owners are legally obligated to keep their buildings in reasonably safe conditions. This duty includes inspecting and maintaining buildings and making timely repairs whenever necessary. When an accident occurs because of an unsafe condition or building code violation, the negligent landlord, property owner, or management company can be held accountable for your injuries.

Violations of the City Code, New York State’s Uniform Code, or federal regulations can be used to demonstrate a building owner’s negligence. When the Dietrich Legal Team’s battle-tested attorneys can show that a property owner violated a building code, the breach triggered your harm, and the injury you suffered was a probable result of the violation, negligence per se can be established. 

Consult Our Seasoned Building Code Violation Injury Lawyers 

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s building code violation accident attorneys are highly experienced in litigating premises liability lawsuits. When investigating your accident, our world-renowned experts will do everything possible to ensure those responsible pay for your damages. Our elite litigators take all cases on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you never have to pay anything until we get you compensated. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. by dialing 716-839-3939 or completing our online consultation form.