Several forms of negligence by property owners or businesses could lead to premises liability lawsuits. Typically, claims have their basis in negligent behavior by an owner or a business renting a space.
Some premises liability litigation begins with a slip-and-fall or a dog bite incident. Other times, clearly unsafe property conditions lead to injuries and requests for compensation. Decks and balconies are often attractive features for rental properties that can allow landlords to demand premium prices. They are also attractive features for people planning exciting social events. Unfortunately, outdoor spaces such as decks and balconies require careful maintenance and regular inspections, as they can fail catastrophically.
Deck and balcony collapses are often tragic
A deck might be just a few feet above ground level. Balconies are sometimes present dozens of stories above ground. If a deck collapses, the people present could sustain major injuries, including broken bones and crush injuries.
If a balcony collapses, the risk of catastrophic or fatal injuries increases. Dramatic balcony collapse incidents can send multiple people to the hospital simultaneously. Both those on the balcony when it collapses and those below are at risk. People on the ground or on a lower balcony could sustain major injuries, in addition to the injuries of those on the balcony that collapses.
Whether property owners failed to inspect and maintain a balcony or did not enforce weight limits during large gatherings, a balcony collapse could provide the grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Holding property owners or landlords accountable can help people recoup medical expenses and lost wages when building amenities prove unsafe.
A balcony or deck collapse is usually indicative of insufficient maintenance, delayed repairs and ignored structural limitations. Those impacted by unsafe property conditions can hold negligent property owners or businesses responsible by filing a premises liability lawsuit.