Weight Limits Must be Adhered To
Even the best built deck or balcony can only hold so much weight. When it is allowed to be overloaded by a large crowd this presents an immediate risk of serious injury or death. It is the responsibility of every homeowner, host or business owner with a deck or balcony to ensure that usage is limited to a safe number of people at any given time.
Proper Design, Build and Materials Are Required
A deck or balcony must be built with a proper design. There are specific building codes that must be adhered to, and the correct materials must be used. Cutting corners on materials or using unqualified installers can result in a defective construction that makes accidents or injuries more likely to occur.
Decks or Balconies Require Routine Inspection
Part of responsible deck or balcony ownership is making sure that they are routinely inspected. This includes looking for cracked or decayed wood, rusting or corroding metal, loose banisters or railing, unsecured stairs, pulling away from the house or building, or other potential problems.
When areas of concern are found they need to be promptly, and correctly repaired. It is not safe to allow occupancy or use of any deck or balcony when there are needed maintenance issues or repairs.
Injured? Here’s what to do.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a deck or balcony lapse, a lawsuit against the owner, contractor, or other party responsible for the construction, maintenance or repair may be the solution to obtaining the compensation you deserve. This can include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, or compensation for death. Contact us for a free consultation about your situation. If appropriate, we can begin work on your case right away.
For a deck or building collapse case that will involving retaining an expert structural engineer (or other qualified professional) to help determine the exact cause of failure in order to best prepare the case for settlement and\or court. For a serious case, or one involving multiple injured people, the insurance company will quickly assemble a team to help them deny or minimize responsibility. That is why it is important to quickly prepare a case on behalf of the victims.
We can be reached at 1-888-301-6004.