- Injuries from Deck Collapses: Who’s at Fault?
Injuries from Deck Collapses: Who’s at Fault?
A deck collapsing underneath you is not something you would ever expect to happen. Unfortunately, it happens quite often and the injuries victims suffer are severe. Do not assume the blame if you were injured from a deck collapsing underneath you. It is important to know your rights.
The most common cause of a deck collapsing is age. If a deck is properly maintained, it can last many years. If a deck is neglected, wood and hardware can begin to deteriorate due to weather and time.
Code violations are also another reason why decks can collapse. There are certain codes set in place to prevent decks from collapsing. Sadly, many who install decks on their own, do not know these codes even exist and build decks that are not structurally safe.
Another cause of a deck collapse is overcrowding. Insurance companies can blame too many people for being on the deck which in return caused it to collapse-placing the blame on the guests. However, it is a property owner’s responsibility to prevent overcrowding from happening.
When a person is injured by a deck collapsing, they can suffer serious injuries. Injuries can include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and severe lacerations.
Insurance companies and property owners can be quick to deny liability when someone is injured as a result of their deck collapsing. They may deny any structural issues with the deck or even place blame on the guests claiming they used the deck in a manner in which the deck was not meant to be used.
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It is always a property owner’s responsibility to keep their premises safe. If you have been injured from a deck collapsing, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. It is important when pursuing a premise liability claim to collect evidence before any repairs are made or any materials are disposed of. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green at 412-661-1400 for a free no obligation consultation.
