San Francisco Deck Collapse Accidents and Injuries

cartwrightlaw - September 6, 2021 -

Many homes and buildings in the Bay Area have decks and balconies so people can enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of their properties. Hotels, country clubs, restaurants, and other establishments also have decks for patrons to use. These decks are often a selling point for property owners or customers of businesses, and people rarely consider that using a deck might present the risk of injuries. Consult with a San Francisco deck collapse lawyer at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., right away.

Unfortunately, some decks collapse for various reasons. When this happens, anyone on the deck can suffer serious injuries, and they should always identify what caused the deck collapse and who should be responsible for their losses.

Dangerous Deck Collapses

Deck collapses are a rare type of accident, but when they happen, severe injuries can result.

In a notorious 2003 balcony collapse in Chicago, 12 people died, and 57 suffered serious injuries. Much more recently, the deck of a beachfront California home collapsed, and nine people suffered injuries after plummeting onto a rocky shore 15 feet below.

Whether a deck is a few feet off the ground or many stories high, the resulting falls from a collapse can result in a wide range of traumatic injuries. Victims who were on someone else’s property when the collapse happened should discuss their rights with an experienced injury lawyer right away.

Who is Liable for a Deck Collapse?

The first order of business is to identify why the deck collapsed, which can help determine who should be liable for the resulting harm and losses of victims. Some reasons include:

Improper deck construction, causing the deck to be unstable from the start
Inadequate deck maintenance, leading to rotting boards, loose railings, rusty screws, and more
Overcrowding or exceeding the weight limit of the deck

If the deck was improperly constructed, liability will likely fall into the hands of the contractor or construction company that was responsible for building the deck. If the problem lies with a lack of deck maintenance, the property owner should be liable for failing to inspect and repair the deck as needed to support people. When a deck collapses because it was overcrowded, the property owner should have known the capacity of the deck and taken steps not to exceed it.

As an injured deck collapse victim, you need to file an insurance claim against a construction company or property owner’s insurance company. Insurers often try to avoid liability by putting the blame on someone else or challenging the severity of your injuries and losses. You want the right legal help during this process.

Speak with a San Francisco Deck Collapse Accident Attorney Today

There is no doubt that deck collapses and resulting falls are terrifying accidents, and victims often face a long road to recovery from their injuries. If you need legal counsel, The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., is ready to help with your deck collapse and injury claims. Call (415) 851-6486 or contact us online for a no-cost case evaluation and discussion.

Sources:

2003 Balcony Collapse in Chicago

Deck of a Beachfront California Home Collapsed