What starts out as an ugly brown water stain on your ceiling could soon become a nightmare.  If water continues to build up it could cause an eventual ceiling collapse, which can lead to terrible consequences for people residing in apartments or rental homes.  Roof and ceiling collapses have also occurred on commercial sites such as restaurants, supermarkets, office buildings, and shopping malls.  Often a collapsing roof is sudden, leaving little to no time for a building occupant to react. The injuries caused by a ceiling collapse can be devastating, even deadly.  California law provides remedies for tenants who have suffered injuries and damages due to a ceiling collapse that results from the negligence of the property owner or landlord, and our skilled attorneys have successfully handled such complex cases.

Common Causes of Ceiling Collapse

• Rainwater pooling
• High winds
• Building code violations
• Failure to adequately maintain the property
• Leaking pipes on the roof
• Construction modifications – such as raising the roof or adding a skylight
• Placement of excess weight on the roof
• Improper installation and support for a rooftop air-conditioning unit
• Fire damage – weakens the structure

Who is Responsible?

Property owners and landlords have a responsibility to provide a rental unit that is habitable – and that includes maintaining the building’s structural safety.  There is a requirement that the landlord repair unsafe conditions of which they are aware within a reasonable amount of time.  If the known dangerous condition is not remedied and as a result, a tenant is injured by that condition, the property owner/landlord may be held legally and financially responsible for the tenant’s injuries and damages. This area of law is called premises liability, and there are a few significant elements of proof that must be evident before an injured tenant can succeed in such a legal matter.  

Elements of Proof 

The property owner and/or property management company are potential defendants in a ceiling collapse lawsuit.  In a premises liability matter, the plaintiff (the injured party) will need to establish the following:

• The defendants (landlord/property owner) had a duty of care to the plaintiff.
• That duty of care was breached – this can occur when the dangerous condition that was known or should have been known by the defendant(s) was not repaired or remedied.
• The breach of care was the substantial factor or proximate cause of the plaintiff’s damages.

Usually, the trickiest part in a ceiling collapse case is proving that the landlord had notice of the dangerous condition prior to the collapse.  There are two types of notice: actual and constructive.  Proving that the landlord had prior notice is why it is essential that if you see any ceiling water stains or damage, sagging, bubbles, or other signs of structural weakness, you notify your landlord or property manager immediately.  Do so in writing, and include photographs – this will be powerful evidence that the landlord had actual notice of the seriousness of the condition.  

If the landlord or property management has been inside the living space on a number of occasions when the dangerous condition was visible, this could be argued to be proof of constructive notice.  However, actual notice is much stronger evidence and much easier to prove when documented – so if you see something, say something (in writing; with photos).

Here are some examples of behavior by a property owner or landlord that could result in the finding of negligence  once notice has been established:

• Failure to fix a leak or other water problem in the bathroom 
• Failure to clear water or snow accumulations on the roof
• Failure to repair a window that will not completely close
• Failure to replace or repair broken ceiling tiles

Further Helpful Evidence in a Ceiling Collapse Case

If the worst-case scenario happens and the ceiling does collapse and you are injured, be sure that someone photographs the aftermath before the area is cleaned and repaired.  Get photographs of all visible injuries as well.  If at all possible, call a building inspector to investigate the cause of the collapse.  The property owner or landlord will likely try to make the claim that they were unaware of the condition, or that they did not have enough time after gaining notice to make the repairs.  Evidence of long-term damage can counter such a claim.  Getting statements from your neighbors to support your side of the story will also be helpful.

While the event is fresh in your memory, make notes about how you were injured.  Were you struck in the head by falling debris?  Did you fall off the bed and suffer a back strain or broken leg?

Due to the complexity of the issues involved in a premises liability claim, it is best to retain a lawyer as soon as possible after the event.  Look for an attorney with significant experience in ceiling collapse cases. A thorough investigation including evidence gathering early in the case will almost always lead to a better conclusion.

Common Injuries Caused by a Ceiling Collapse

A ceiling collapse can result in severe injuries. Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common since the debris falls from overhead.  Other examples of injuries caused by a ceiling or roof collapse include:

• Fractured vertebrae (neck or back)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Trauma to the eyes
• Facial lacerations
• Skull fracture
• Concussion
• Broken nose
• Broken bones – upper extremities, lower extremities, ribs
• Permanent disfigurement
• Permanent disabilities
• Death

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a ceiling or roof collapse in a private residence or commercial building, contact our roof collapse premises liability attorneys. You may be entitled to compensation including, but not limited to:

• Reimbursement of medical bills and payment for future medical care
• Reimbursement of personal property loss
• Any income lost as a result of your injuries
• Costs to relocate
• Pain and suffering

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

Collapsing ceilings are not as rare as they may sound.  Each case is different and presents unique challenges and potential complications.  A firm experienced in roof and ceiling collapse cases will be able to protect your rights and navigate the complexities, in order to get you the maximum financial recovery.

Watch this YouTube video of a ceiling collapsing in a mall a few years back.

Sacramento Roof and Ceiling Collapse Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Roof and Ceiling Collapse Lawyer in Sacramento.  If you suffered injuries in a roof or ceiling collapse caused by the negligence of the landlord or property owner, I welcome you to contact us.  My skilled team will offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice.  Give us a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.