How defective building design causes harm_.

When constructing and designing commercial buildings and homes, there are certain safety standards contractors and architects must abide by. Unfortunately, not all buildings are built or designed with safety in mind. There are two ways in which construction projects can be defective: building defects, for which subcontractors or contractors are responsible, or design defects, for which engineers or architects are held accountable. Buildings that do not adhere to safety standards can be extremely dangerous, and cause injury and harm to its occupants, construction workers, and passers-by.

Examples of building defects

It is the duty of all architects and contractors working on a building to ensure its occupants are safe. Here are a few examples of ways poorly executed construction projects can cause damage:

Poorly Designed Stairs

Even small details, like the depth of the stair or width of the handrail, can count as a building code violation. For stairs of a certain width, most building codes require one or more firmly attached handrails. Icy, wet, or slippery stairs are hidden dangers, and can result in serious slips, trips, and falls. Outdoor steps should be outfitted with an anti-slip surface to prevent the occurrence of injury. If you have suffered harm because of a poorly constructed building, the lawyers at MacGillivray Law will get you the help you need.

Water Damage

When buildings do not meet legal codes for proper safety and construction, the building’s architecture may be subject to expensive and dangerous water damage. This can cause injury, illness due to mold and mildew, and expensive and irreversible damage. If you have suffered injury or damages from water seepage, we can negotiate with your insurer to make sure you get the compensation you need to rebuild.

Roof Defects

Roofs are one of the principal structures in a building, protecting homes from the elements, and keeping its inhabitants dry and safe. Defective roofs can cause injury to tenants of the home, construction workers, or passers-by, and in some instances, can make your home unlivable.

Subsurface Deficiencies

Atlantic Canada has a varied landscape that is, in many locations, hilly and covered with rocks. When building a house, it can be difficult to provide a stable foundation. Poorly designed and constructed foundations can result in cracked and damaged walls and flooring. In severe cases, shoddy foundations can cause deadly landslides.

Defective building design and construction can result in monumental damage and serious injury. When commercial buildings and homes do not meet legal codes for safety, and injury results, those responsible for the construction and design of the building may be subject to a negligence lawsuit. You deserve to have an advocate on your side. At MacGillivray Law, we help injured people across Atlantic Canada. Contact us today to discuss your case.