Miami Bridge Collapse Victims Recovered
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
The recent tragic bridge collapse near Miami led to numerous deaths, and Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez recently told reporters that all victims killed in the accident are now accounted for.The accident showcases not only the importance of serious oversight in bridge construction, but also the importance of understanding where fault may be placed in a personal injury case.The Collapse
The accident occurred on a bridge connecting Florida International University and the city of Sweetwater to one another. However, the 174-foot main span of the bridge was placed just five days before the collapse, and emergency workers have struggled to remove 950 tons of weight from the accident site.
Those killed in the accident ranged in age from 18 to nearly 60, though only a few names have been released thus far. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the accident and what could have led to it, and a report claims that an engineer left a voicemail for a Florida International University employee stating that there were visible cracks in the bridge just two days before the collapse, but the message wasn't heard until the day after the tragedy.
Already, Investigators are on the scene and are collecting evidence including pieces of the bridge, documents, and more. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the University is responsible for maintaining the bridge, which means that it could be held liable for the tragedy.
Showing Fault
The Miami bridge collapse is certainly a major tragedy, and one that has impacted the lives of everyone involved. When a problem like this occurs, filing a personal injury lawsuit is one of the only ways to get back on your feet after being seriously injured or after losing a loved one.
Those involved in the accident could file a wrongful death claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the specifics of their situation. But who will they file it against? Fault is clear in things like auto accidents, but in cases like this it's not as easy to identify.
But, with the University being responsible for maintaining the bridge, this means that fault likely falls to them. Filing a wrongful death claim or a personal injury lawsuit will place blame on those responsible for maintenance, and they could be held financially liable.
The engineering firm or construction company that built the bridge or that handles maintenance on behalf of the University could also be liable, depending upon the outcome of the results of the investigation.
What It Means To You
If you have lost someone as result of the Miami bridge collapse, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive financial compensation that can help you get back on your feet after your loss. Losing a loved one can leave a serious financial hardship as well as an emotional loss, and getting help with that is important.
This tragedy is also a good example that can be applied to other similar incidents. It shows that fault isn't always simply a matter of one driver acting in a reckless manner - sometimes, other organizations and people could be liable as well. Talking to a personal injury and wrongful death attorney will help you be able to identify exactly what your rights are, who is responsible, and how to get the compensation that you could be owed.
Our legal team has decades of experience and are here to help you. Contact us today to find out more about your rights, what you can do, and how we can assist you during this difficult period.