Building Collapse in Phoenix

Collapses rarely happen by chance. They are almost always the result of human error, negligence, or overlooked risks. Some of the most common causes include:

• Construction defects from poor workmanship or substandard materials.
• Design flaws by architects or engineers.
• Lack of maintenance by property owners or managers.
• Overloaded structures, such as overcrowded balconies or staircases.
• Natural disasters, such as extreme heat, monsoons, or earthquakes, exploit pre-existing weaknesses.
• Failure to comply with building codes meant to keep residents and workers safe.

Understanding the cause is the first step in proving liability and understanding why the disaster occurred.

Not all collapses are the same, and each type brings different legal challenges:

• Pancake Collapse: Floors fall in sequence, often due to poor construction or design.
• Progressive Collapse: A small failure spreads through the entire structure.
• Partial Collapse: Involves a balcony, stairwell, or roof giving way.
• Total Collapse: Complete structural breakdown of a building.

Identifying the type of collapse helps determine what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

Responsibility may fall on several parties depending on the circumstances, including:

• Property owners and landlords for failing to maintain safe conditions.
• Construction companies that cut corners during the build.
• Architects and engineers, if design flaws contributed.
• Government entities, when collapses involve public buildings or ignored safety inspections.
• Manufacturers of faulty construction materials.

A Phoenix building collapse attorney will often bring in expert engineers and safety inspectors to piece together what happened.

Proving liability requires a careful investigation. Useful evidence may include:

• Building inspection reports and code violations.
• Maintenance records.
• Engineering and architectural plans.
• Witness statements from tenants, workers, or bystanders.
• Expert testimony from structural engineers.

Because evidence can be lost quickly after a collapse, it’s critical to get legal help right away.

Unlike typical personal injury claims, collapse cases are highly technical. They often involve multiple defendants, detailed structural analyses, and catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These cases also tend to attract aggressive defense teams and insurers who fight hard to deny responsibility. That’s why victims need a law firm with the size, resources, and experience to go the distance.

If a loved one is killed in a collapse, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. While no lawsuit can replace what was lost, it can hold negligent parties accountable and provide stability for grieving families.

After a collapse, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may argue the collapse was an “act of God,” blame contractors who can’t pay, or downplay the severity of injuries. Morgan & Morgan knows these tactics well, and we push back hard to secure fair settlements for victims.

Cases differ depending on the type of property:

• Residential Buildings: Tenants may sue landlords, property managers, or condo associations.
• Commercial Properties: Liability may extend to owners, developers, and corporate entities.
• Government Buildings: These require special procedures to file claims against city, county, or state entities.

Each type of case presents unique legal hurdles, which is why working with experienced attorneys is so crucial.

The process typically involves:

• Immediate investigation with engineers and safety experts.
• Identifying all liable parties: owners, contractors, and government entities.
• Calculating damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property loss, emotional distress, and wrongful death.
• Negotiating with insurers and preparing for trial if necessary.

Some cases are resolved through settlements, while others must be fought in court. Either way, victims deserve a team that won’t back down.

Collapse cases fall under Arizona’s personal injury and wrongful death laws, which allow claims only within a limited timeframe. The countdown often begins when the injury or death occurs, or when the cause of the collapse is discovered. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to sue, making it important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has stood up for victims of catastrophic accidents, recovering more than $25 billion nationwide. With over 1,000 attorneys and a strong presence in Phoenix, we have the resources to take on powerful property developers, insurers, and corporations.

Most importantly, you don’t pay us unless we win. The Fee Is Free™.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a building collapse in Phoenix, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Morgan & Morgan is here to investigate, expose negligence, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.