Why Do Deck and Balconies Accidents Occur?

Deck collapses can happen due to various reasons, including faulty construction, poor maintenance, and overloading. 

Indiana Code section 34-51-2-7 establishes the duty of care that property owners owe to visitors on their property, including the duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of any known hazards. This duty includes maintaining decks and balconies in a safe condition. 

If a property owner fails to fulfill this duty and a deck or balcony collapse occurs, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages, and you can sue for compensation after an accident. 

Most Common Building Accidents

Decks and balconies are not the only structures that can lead to accidents. Other common building accidents include stair collapse, balcony railing collapse, and roof collapse. In some cases, these accidents can be caused by a property owner’s negligence or a contractor’s failure to adhere to building codes and regulations. 

According to the Indiana Building Code, decks and balconies must be constructed and maintained to meet specific safety requirements. If a property owner fails to comply with these codes, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.

Types of Injuries for Which You Can Seek Compensation

If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to claim compensation to cover your economic and non-economic damages.

An accident lawyer specializing in deck collapse can help you seek compensation for the losses related to your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related costs. 

Your lawyer can work with medical experts and other professionals to evaluate the extent of your injuries and calculate the full value of your claim. But to do so, it’s key to evaluate the evidence regarding your injuries to build a strong case and prove negligence. 

Here are some of the most common injuries suffered after a deck or building collapse accident:

These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on your life. You may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which can result in significant expenses.

But if you suffered such an accident, at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell we are ready to provide legal advice on how to proceed to claim justice.

What to Do After an Accident Due to a Deck Collapse

There are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the proper medical treatment after a deck collapse. These steps include:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately: Your health should be your top priority, and seeking medical attention is crucial to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
  2. Report the accident: If the accident occurred on someone else’s property, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of the incident report.
  3. Collect evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the deck or balcony, as well as any injuries sustained. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
  4. Contact an experienced Indianapolis deck collapse accident lawyer: An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Premises Liability Accident In Indiana Buildings

When it comes to premises liability accidents in Indiana buildings, property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a safe condition and to warn visitors of any known dangers. This means that if a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to maintain their property, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and other related damages.

Under Indiana law, premises liability accidents are governed by Indiana laws that set out the legal duties that property owners owe to visitors and the types of damages that victims may be entitled to recover. 

Building collapses and highway accidents

Moreover, according to a report by the Indiana Department of Transportation, between 2015 and 2019, there were 27,385 reported crashes on Indiana state highways that involved at least one form of “fixed object” such as a building, bridge, or other structure. These accidents resulted in 179 fatalities and 5,564 injuries. 

While not all of these accidents were caused by premises liability issues, it is clear that Indiana residents face a significant risk of injury when entering or using buildings and other structures. In this scenario, building owners and managers must implement a maintenance program that addresses any hazards or potential hazards promptly to avoid accidents and legal issues with injured victims.

Don’t Settle For Less – We’re Here to Help You Fill a Lawsuit and Find Justice

When it comes to a premises liability accident in Indiana buildings, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their property in a safe condition and to warn visitors of any known dangers. But when these regulations are not met, catastrophic injuries can occur. 

These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on your life. You may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which can result in significant expenses.

Got injured in a deck collapse accident? You deserve legal representation from a specialized lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you must receive. 

At our firm, we have the expertise and resources to help you navigate the legal process and build a strong case to prove negligence, and claim compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us to receive a free consultation.