Walking the streets of Milan should be a safe activity, but unfortunately, accidents caused by the poor maintenance of urban elements are not uncommon. Suffering serious injuries due to the sudden fall of a sign, a billboard, or a promotional structure is a traumatic event that can have significant physical and economic consequences. As an expert lawyer in compensation for damages in Milan, I deeply understand the state of shock and uncertainty that accompanies these events. The purpose of this page is to provide clarity on your rights and the necessary procedures to obtain fair compensation for the damage suffered.
Civil liability for falling signs and billboards
In the Italian legal context, the fall of a sign or an advertising structure typically falls under the provisions of Article 2051 of the Civil Code, which governs liability for damages caused by things in custody. The law states that each person is liable for damage caused by things they have in custody, unless they prove the fortuitous event. This means that the owner of the sign, the tenant of the advertising space, or the condominium on which the structure is installed, have the legal obligation to ensure its stability and maintenance.
To obtain compensation, it is not enough to prove the injurious event, but it is necessary to establish the causal link between the thing (the sign) and the damage (the injuries). Often, opposing insurance parties attempt to invoke fortuitous events, such as exceptional weather conditions, to evade responsibility. However, case law is very strict on this point: a simple storm, even if strong, does not justify the collapse of a structure that should be designed and maintained to withstand predictable environmental stresses. This is where the intervention of a professional becomes crucial to analyze the state of conservation of the structure and the omissions in maintenance.
Studio Legale Bianucci's approach to compensation for damages
Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in compensation for damages in Milan, handles every case of injuries from falling structures with a rigorous and analytical method. The firm's strategy is based on a meticulous reconstruction of the facts. Firstly, the correct responsible party is identified: there is often an overlap between the shop owner, the advertising company, and the condominium, and it is crucial to direct the compensation claim towards the party that had effective control over the structure.
The investigative phase is handled with the utmost attention to detail. Studio Legale Bianucci engages technical consultants to verify whether the installation complied with municipal and national safety regulations and whether periodic maintenance was carried out correctly. Concurrently, the quantification of biological, moral, and material damages is managed through in-depth medico-legal expert reports. The objective of Avv. Marco Bianucci is to relieve the client of all bureaucratic burdens, managing negotiations with insurance companies to obtain the maximum possible compensation without necessarily going to court, but being prepared to do so if the offer is not commensurate with the severity of the injuries sustained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible if a shop sign falls?
Responsibility generally falls on the owner of the commercial activity or the manager who has custody of the sign. However, if the sign is attached to the condominium facade and the collapse is due to a defect in the wall, the condominium may also be involved. A technical analysis is necessary to identify the correct party to address.
What should I do immediately after the accident?
It is essential to document the incident. Take photographs of the collapsed structure and the location, collect the details of any witnesses, and request the intervention of the Local Police or law enforcement to draw up a report. Go to the Emergency Room immediately to have your injuries documented: the medical certificate is the basis for the compensation claim.
Does bad weather exempt the owner from compensation?
Not necessarily. For bad weather to be considered a fortuitous event, it must be an absolutely exceptional and unforeseeable event. Heavy rain or common gusts of wind do not justify the fall of a sign that should be securely anchored. Avv. Marco Bianucci will evaluate historical weather conditions to counter any insurance denials.
What types of damages can I claim?
In addition to biological damage (temporary and permanent physical injury), compensation can be claimed for moral damage (inner suffering), existential damage (alteration of life habits), and material damage (medical expenses incurred and loss of earnings due to work incapacity).
Request an evaluation of your case
If you have been a victim of a falling sign or advertising structure, do not face the insurance companies alone. Avv. Marco Bianucci, with his extensive experience as an expert lawyer in compensation for damages, is available to assess the feasibility of your compensation claim. The firm receives clients in Milan at via Alberto da Giussano, 26. Contact us to schedule an appointment and protect your rights.