A high-rise residential tower under construction In Boston’s Chinatown on Stuart Street partially collapsed on Thursday around 8 a.m., injuring two people. A Deputy Fire Chief told reporters that a dead load on the 12th floor collapsed and pancaked down to the 5th floor. The construction collapse injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC mention that the “dead” load is basically just the weight of the building itself. The “live” load is anything you later put on or in the building (like residents and their belongings).
Photos of the partial building collapse showed several floors broken down the center and collapsed into a mound of debris several floors below. One of the injured victims sustained a serious head injury, while the other injured person had minor injuries and did not require overnight hospitalization. Authorities including OSHA are investigating. Structural engineers will determine when the building can resume construction. (CBS Boston, 3/20/14)
CBT Architects designed the high-rise residential tower. The Avalon Bay real estate company is heading up the project.
What Caused the Stuart Street Building to Partially Collapse?
There is no definitive word yet on what caused the 12th floor to fail and collapse. Our construction collapse injury attorneys note that many things could have caused the structural failure, including:
Poor design that involved inadequate structural supports or an inadequate number of joists or other floor supports.
Poor construction, such as use of substandard materials or setting concrete under the wrong conditions.
Inadequate bracing of walls and floors as the construction proceeded.
Piling heavy construction materials on a 12th floor that did not yet have adequate bracing and support.
If the floors of the high-rise on Stuart Street can’t support their own weight even while the building is still under construction, imagine the possible danger as residents later move in, fill their apartments with heavy furniture, and invite their friends over for lively housewarming parties. We wonder if construction should simply “resume.” It seems like it would be better to remove the compromised floors altogether and rebuild in a sturdier fashion.
Structural Collapses can lead to Severe Injuries and Death
As this accident in Boston’s Chinatown demonstrates, structural collapse can lead to severe injuries and sometimes even fatal injuries. But when you or your loved one have been injured, proving the actual cause of the injury is a highly technical matter involving complex engineering concepts and detailed medical knowledge.
You need an experienced construction collapse injury attorney to help you gather the evidence you need before it disappears, find qualified expert witnesses to testify on your behalf, build a strong claim, aggressively advocate for your interests, and present your case to opposing parties and the court in a clear and convincing manner.
Contact the Dedicated Construction Collapse Injury Attorneys at Denena Points, PC for a Free and Confidential Legal Consultation
Your initial consultation is free and without obligation and will allow us to explore the details of the case with you and evaluate your potential eligibility for a full financial recovery for your needless injuries. Your claim might include medical expenses, the costs of the future medical care you will need, lost wages, and other damages. We are among the relative handful of injury attorneys nationwide to have hands-on, practical experience successfully resolving complex structural collapse injury cases. Contact us anytime through our online contact form or reach us direct at 713-807-9500. Put our experience to work for your family’s benefit.