Many properties, such as homes, apartments, restaurants, theaters, music concert halls, and more, have balconies. When they are not maintained properly, the balcony can collapse. Victims can suffer serious injuries when this occurs. In addition, people who are underneath the balcony can also suffer catastrophic injuries or death. Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, and broken bones are just a few of the injuries caused when a dangerous balcony collapses.
What Are the Causes of Balcony Collapses?
Property owners have a duty to properly construct a balcony and maintain it. Many of the reasons behind balcony collapses involve the failure of the property owner to correct a known defect with the balcony. Common causes of these frightening accidents include:
- Failing to repair or replace worn support beams
- Allowing too many people onto the balcony
- Failing to comply with building code regulations in the construction of the balcony
- Failing to replace joints, screws, bolts, and other components of the balcony when necessary
- Failing to replace rotten or otherwise damaged wood
- Failing to repair or replace loose or damaged railings
- Failing to inspect the balcony for defects and repair problems regularly
Who Could Be Liable for Compensating You in a Balcony Collapse Accident?
There could be a number of potentially liable parties in a balcony collapse accident. An experienced slip and fall accident attorney can help you determine who is responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Depending on why the balcony collapsed, these parties could be at fault:
- Builder. If the builder used inferior products or faulty construction methods or failed to comply with building codes and industry standards, he could face liability if the balcony collapses.
- Manufacturer. When the cause of the balcony collapse is the manufacture of the supplies used to construct or repair the balcony, the manufacturer could be held responsible in a products liability action.
- Property owner or manager. Some property owners contract with a manager to inspect the property—including the balcony—and make needed repairs. When a balcony is left in disrepair, the manager and the property owner could be found negligent depending on the agreement between them and the circumstances that led to the balcony collapse.
If you suffered injuries in a balcony collapse accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you determine the cause of the collapse and the liable parties. We will aggressively fight for the compensation that you deserve. Learn more about how we can help by calling our office to schedule a free consultation today.
|
Related Links: |