Since the late 2000s, people have been “going solar” in their efforts to save money while reducing carbon emissions. Over the years, solar panels have become more affordable, and there are many companies that are available to help you install and maintain these systems. Homeowners that are skilled in DIY projects can also undertake the project on their own, though many people prefer to have solar panels installed by a professional.
In recent years, property owners have noticed that solar panels can increase the value of their home, as they are viewed as upgrades, similar to a finished basement or home movie theater. But solar energy panels can also make the home more dangerous if they are improperly installed or not maintained by the homeowner. Failure in these areas can cause problems with the panel’s ability to stay on the roof. Panels may also fall off if they are cracked due to repeated cycles of thermal stress.
Were you injured by a solar panel falling off due to negligence by a property owner or installation company? You may have grounds to file a lawsuit and receive payment in the form of monetary damages, such as:
- Cost of current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income (wages and job benefits, for example)
- Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages
- Property damage
- Lawyer’s fees
- Punitive damages
Normandie Law Firm is ready to advise you of your rights and legal options if you were injured from being hit with a falling solar panel. Contact us right away and speak to a falling object accident lawyer.
Injuries You can Sustain from a Solar Energy Panel
Though solar panel weights vary by manufacturer, the average energy panel is made from 60 cells, which weigh around 40 pounds. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand how someone can be seriously injured if a solar panel falls on them. Even at a relatively low height, a solar panel that falls off can cause the following injuries:
- Deep cuts from glass shards
- Infections from open wounds on the skin
- Skull fracture, concussion, and other head trauma injuries
- Neck / spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries from electrical components
- Dislocated or fractured joints
- Soft tissue injuries (tearing of ligaments and tendons)
- Nerve damage, leading to loss of function
Can I Sue the Homeowner if I was Injured by a Falling Solar Energy Panel?
Yes, you can sue the property owner for injuries from a solar panel collapse if the accident occurred as a direct result of their negligence. As a general rule, solar electric systems are installed by professionals, as they generally go on the roof. It’s possible to place them at ground level if there is space, but this may require cutting down shrubs and trees, which is an additional cost. But even if someone else installs the panels, the homeowner is still responsible for dangerous conditions on their own property.
For example, a solar panel can pose a danger to others if they are not securely affixed to the roof surface. This shouldn’t be a problem when they are initially installed, but it’s possible that they can loosen over time. During high winds and severe weather, it’s possible for panels to lift or loosen. Panels may also be damaged by hail and other falling debris, or from thermal shock and fatigue. This happens when there are extreme changes in temperature that may cause the glass to crack. Problems with the electrical wiring inside the shingles can also cause damage to the glass.
When these thermal shocks happen again and again over a period of time, it can cause the panel to crack and fall off the roof or into the house / building itself. As you can imagine, this is extremely dangerous to anyone standing underneath.
Most incidents of thermal shock are due to improper maintenance or lack thereof by the property owner. This is an example of negligence by a homeowner, which will allow you to file a lawsuit for monetary damages. If you were injured by falling solar panels, it’s important to speak to a lawyer with experience in falling object injury cases. Call us today and schedule a free case review as soon as possible.
Suing the Installation Company for a Fallen Solar Panel Accident
As we said before, these units are typically installed by certified professionals, as they are heavy units of glass that usually go on the roof. These companies also have a duty of care to others, like following safety precautions, using high quality materials, and ensuring that the panel is securely mounted on to the roof’s surface. These companies may also provide maintenance services over the lifetime of the solar system.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen when companies use cheap materials, hire careless or inexperienced technicians, and engage in other acts of negligence. This is another party that may be liable for a falling solar energy panel accident. To see if you are eligible for a lawsuit against a solar panel installation company, please give us a call.
Timberline Solar Energy Shingles Recalled Due to Fire Hazard
While this article is focused on falling object accidents involving solar panels, this is not the only way someone can be injured by these objects. On July 27, 2023, GAF Energy recalled around 2,100 units of the Timberline Solar Energy Shingles. These are roof mounted panels weighing around 10 pounds and measuring 64 inches in length, 17 inches in height, and 1 inch in depth.
There is a problem with the electrical components in the shingles, which poses a fire hazard to people inside a home or other structures where the panel is installed. So far, the manufacturer has received one report of a fire and 5 overheating incidents that caused damage to a consumer’s roof. If you have not been contacted already, you can reach out to the manufacturer to arrange for a free repair service.
Free repairs, however, will not suffice if you or your loved one was injured in a fire. Or, you may have extensive property damage resulting from a fire that was caused by these solar panels. You may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer, either through a personal injury claim or class action. For more information on suing for injuries from a recalled solar panel, contact our office.
Average Value of a Falling Objects Injury Case
Because of the serious injuries that are involved with these cases, compensation rates are fairly high for those who succeed in a lawsuit. A falling object injury claim is worth anywhere from $100,000 to $3,000,000 on average, based on our record of settlements and verdicts. Of course, some claimants have less serious injuries, which means their case value may be as low as $15,000. At the end of the day, there is no such thing as an average case value for a solar panel fall accident lawsuit. What matters is how much you can potentially recover, which we will discuss with you during a free case review.
How Long Do I have to File a Lawsuit?
As someone who is injured by a falling solar panel, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit against the property owner or anyone else that’s responsible for the accident. This may seem like a lot of time, but it’s very common for injury victims to put off contacting an attorney. Before they know it, two years have gone by and they have lost the right to pursue a claim for monetary compensation. Don’t let this happen to you; contact us so that we can help you file an accident claim for and receive the damages you are entitled to.
What is the Estimated Timeframe to Settle these Cases?
Negotiating a payment amount that both sides can agree on can take anywhere from a few weeks to over two years. We would say that claims against homeowners are generally settled faster than those against business owners (solar panel installation firms, for example). However, the majority of cases take at least a few months, no matter who you are suing. If the injuries are particularly serious, there’s a good chance that reaching a settlement will take 1 to 2 years. A small fraction of these cases are taken to court, which means it can take up to several years before a jury rules on your case. Keep in mind, however, that over 95% of all falling object injury cases are settled before the trial date.
Speak to a Solar Energy Panel Fall Injury Attorney
The personal injury lawyers of Normandie have decades of experience with falling object lawsuits. We know all too well how these accidents impact your life, and there’s no reason to go without the compensation you deserve by law. To see if you are eligible for an accident injury claim, please meet with us for a free consultation. Perhaps you have a lawsuit that’s been filed with another law firm, but you would like a second opinion on your case. No problem – our attorneys are happy to provide you with a free second opinion.
Right now, legal fees are the last thing you should have on your mind. We are a contingency-based law firm, so you pay absolutely nothing for us to represent you. You also receive a Zero Fee Guarantee on your case from day one, so if you don’t get paid from a personal injury claim, neither do we.
Our phone lines are open 24/7, so contact us anytime to discuss your case with a falling solar panel injury lawsuit attorney.
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