Minneapolis Bridge Collapses

Larry Buckfire

Contributor

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Many of you have already seen the video, photographs, and read the accounts of the horrific Minneapolis bridge collapse yesterday afternoon. As many as thirty people are missing and several have been reported as dead as a result of this tragedy. The accounts of the survivors describe the deadly and frightening event. The bridge was under construction at the time and the precise reasons for the collapse are not known, but it appears to be structural in nature and not related to terrorism or an act of nature.

From a legal standpoint, the government entity responsible for the maintenance and operation of the bridge might be legally accountable for the injuries and deaths caused by the collapse. Most governments have a legal duty to maintain bridges and highways in a condtion for safe travel and can be sued for injuries caused by defects on those surfaces. Most states grant certain immunities from lawsuits to themselves and can be sued under only a limited number circumstances. The ability of the injured to seek compensation for the injuries will only become known once the full investigation is completed.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.