The building collapse attorneys at Denena & Points have been writing about the deadly Harlem warehouse collapse at the Columbia University expansion site as an example of the type of collapse often caused by weakened structural connections. In a previous article, we had noted the statements of Breeze National, a subcontractor on the site, that indicated the collapse was due to an unexpected beam connection configuration and weakened connecting bolts.
As an aside, we mentioned that companies involved in the work on the site had previous code violations and had been connected in the past to New York-area crime families. Further details have come out on the contractor over the site, Bovis Lend Lease. Bovis has been bound by a legal agreement since 2008 that required the company to reform its safety practices.
The 5-year binding non-prosecution agreement resulted after a deadly fire at the Deutsche Bank building in Manhattan in 2007 that cost the lives of two New York firefighters. Investigations into the causes of the fatal blaze uncovered serious mistakes by both Bovis Lend Lease employees and employees of its subcontractor on the Deutsche Bank site. (Our building collapse attorneys note that the subcontractor at that time was not Breeze National.)
The Manhattan DA’s office apparently isn’t saying whether Bovis has actually been complying with the non-prosecution agreement. The terms of the agreement required Bovis to hire an independent monitor to determine whether Bovis hired competent sub-contractors on its work sites and whether the company’s new safety initiatives were actually effective. The independent monitor had to submit semi-annual reports with its findings to the city. The Manhattan DA’s office maintains that the contents of the reports are not public; therefore it is not releasing details of the independent monitor’s conclusions on Bovis’ safety practices compliance.
Our building collapse attorneys continue to follow the tragic story of the Harlem warehouse collapse with attention. The unfolding story demonstrates how the actual causes behind a fatal structural collapse can be complex and varied. The negligent parties at fault for the accident might involve a sequence of companies and business connections not readily apparent.
Grieving family members seeking redress for their tragic losses might not know where to turn in their quest for proper compensation. If you’ve lost a loved one to a deadly structural collapse, you would do well to seek the help of knowledgeable and experienced building collapse attorneys that can help you uncover the causes behind the accident and the evidence you need to prove your claims.
If you’ve suffered the devastating loss of a family member to a building collapse caused by someone else’s negligence and you have questions, feel free to contact our dedicated building collapse attorneys for a confidential legal consultation and case evaluation. Your initial consultation is free and it could provide you with the understanding of your legal options that you need to make informed decisions about what to do. Call toll free 877-307-9500 or use our online contact forms.