When a ceiling tile falls or an entire ceiling collapses in a restaurant, store, rental unit, or other property and you are injured, the property owner or others may be legally responsible for the harm you suffer. Liability is often based on negligence which means someone failed to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.

Potentially Responsible Parties

• The property owner who is responsible for the overall upkeep and safety of the premises
• The property management company if one is employed to maintain the property and its condition
• The construction company that built or altered the ceiling or made structural changes
• Maintenance workers tasked with inspections, repairs, plumbing, or other building systems

Sometimes ceiling failure results from plumbing or water damage. If so, a plumbing contractor who caused leaks or failed to address known plumbing issues might also be held liable.

Why Evidence Must Be Gathered Early

Getting an attorney involved soon after you are injured helps preserve critical evidence. Photographs of the ceiling, the material that collapsed, damage to surrounding surfaces, and your injuries are all important. If you still have parts of the ceiling that fell, preserving that material may help establish why it collapsed. Experts such as structural engineers or construction specialists may be needed to determine cause.

What You Should Do After Such an Accident

Seek medical attention right away Document your injuries Take photos of the ceiling, collapse materials, water stains or damage, plumbing issues, and other relevant surroundings Get witness names and contact information Keep records of everything including maintenance reports or notices you might have made about the ceiling

How Hillstone Law Can Assist

If you are injured by a ceiling collapse Hillstone Law can help determine who is responsible gather all necessary evidence engage experts to analyze the cause deal with insurance companies and pursue full compensation for your damages