Memorials for the six people who lost their lives in the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse are rising, and investigators are hard at work reviewing documents and reports that could give them insight into what went wrong.
One key piece of information that came out in news reports following the bridge’s collapse is that a FIGG Engineering-Bridge Group engineer noticed a crack in the span before the bridge came down and left a voicemail on a Florida Department of Transportation employee’s phone commenting on it.
“We’ve taken a look at it and … obviously some repairs or whatever will have to be done,” the engineer said in the voicemail. “But from a safety perspective, we don’t see that there’s any issue there so we’re not concerned about it from that perspective. Although obviously the cracking is not good and something’s going to have to be, ya know, done to repair that.”
From officials with FIU to investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, teams are analyzing various evidence to determine what went wrong. While Miami-Dade County prosecutor Katherine Fernandez Rundle reportedly said criminal charges are “improbable,” civil suits for wrongful death and personal injury are highly likely.
Dashcam footage of the bridge collapse (accelerated playback).
Our team of construction accident and personal injury attorneys at Schlesinger Law Offices, led by an attorney who is also a Florida licensed general contractor, is currently reviewing the documents surrounding this incident. Where other firms will hire outside expert witnesses, our team’s research will be led by an experienced general contractor.
What Occurred Before The Collapse?
Reportedly, bridge workers were tightening cables as part of the beam when the accident occurred, crushing several cars beneath the 960-ton span. While such “post-tensioning” is common practice to refine a structure that’s been put in place, that’s about all that’s publicly known.
Our unique qualifications as construction attorneys differentiate this law firm from others. Our firm has extensive experience litigating construction site accidents and other related personal injury matters and wrongful death cases. We have helped people hurt and families of those killed in bridge, roadway, and other construction accidents in Miami, South Florida and throughout the state. Where others rely on experts, we are the experts.
If you suffered a serious injury or a family member died in the FIU bridge collapse, or were suffered an injury caused due to someone else’s negligence, contact Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. today to discuss your situation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers. Fill out our online form to set up a free case evaluation, or call us at (954) 467-8800 today to discuss your case over the phone. With more than six decades of experience, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands when you choose us to represent you.
