Snow is heavier than it may seem, and when it has been allowed to accumulate unchecked, the mass and weight of snow can collapse a deck. Improper deck construction under the weight of snow can also cause a collapse. The property owner is responsible for shoveling and removing copious amounts of snow. If they fail to do so, and you or someone you love is injured, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
An Atlanta deck collapse accident lawyer can help you prove the snow caused the collapse. They can also help you prove the property owner was negligent. They will determine the monetary value of your case and handle all communication with the insurance company. With their guidance and support, you can recover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
How Snow Can Cause a Deck to Collapse
Severe weather conditions are a common cause of deck collapse. Snow, which can be much heavier than you might think, can damage a deck in multiple ways, including:
- In inclement weather, snow can exceed the deck’s supported weight
- Over time, snow and melting snow can damage the deck’s wood
- Heavy enough snow can cause a deck to sag, bow, or droop
Another danger of snow occurs when it becomes wet or compacted. At that point, it can turn to ice, creating icicles and dangerous dripping. When a property owner does not attend to snow and safeguard their decks, they could be held liable for its collapse and any injuries its occupants suffer.
Evidence a Deck Collapse Attorney Will Compile to Support Financial Recovery
While snow can melt slowly and form dangerous ice and icicles, it can also melt quickly and destroy evidence that supports your case. That means the sooner you hire legal representation, the better.
Your evidence collection can include:
- Photos of the deck before the collapse, if available
- Photos of the deck after the collapse
- Weather and snow accumulation reports
- Police and medical first responder reports
- Deck and construction expert testimonials
- Witness statements from others at the scene
You do not have to build your case file alone. When a personal injury lawyer in your area represents you in your pursuit of damages, they can collect evidence while you focus on getting better.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Economic and Non-Economic Damages You Can Recover After a Deck Collapse
Being injured by a collapsed deck can leave you with a plethora of unexpected financial expenses and losses. Your lawyer will pursue the person or entity whose negligence caused the deck to collapse for the following compensatory damages:
- Known and anticipated medical bills
- Lasting impairment or disfigurement
- Ongoing physical pain and suffering
- Known and anticipated income loss
- Personal property damage or loss
- Mental and emotional anxiety
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Your lawyer will collect evidence that supports the value of your financial recovery. Your case file will include bills, receipts, and estimates that document your economic damages. They will also compile tangible evidence that supports the value of your non-economic damages.
What You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitations on Deck Collapse Cases
The personal injury and wrongful death statutes of limitations are generally two years, according to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33. If you are pursuing damages from an at-fault property owner or other negligent party, these times will govern the filing of your lawsuit.
If it is not filed on time, you could lose the legal right to file it at all. Complying with the filing deadline is crucial, but it can also be complicated. Multiple factors could alter the applicable date, so the best way to understand how it applies to your case is to let a lawyer in your area handle it for you.
An Attorney Can Help You Determine Who Is Financial Liable for a Deck Collapse
Understanding your recoverable damages is important. So is understanding the complexities of the appropriate filing deadline. You also need to know who is liable for a deck collapse. Potentially liable parties can include:
- The property owner
- The builder or contractor
- Deck parts manufacturers
You do not have to determine negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, damages—on your own. Your legal team will investigate the collapse and document its cause to support your compensation request.
How a Deck Collapse Lawyer Builds a Compelling Case for Compensation
Navigating the legalities of a deck collapse case on your own can be a challenge. Their familiarity with state and local law means it can be worth it to hire a personal injury attorney to manage the details of your deck collapse case. To support your case, they will:
- Compile supporting evidence and documents
- Consult medical and construction experts
- Deal with the insurance company and adjuster
- Identify the negligent property owner
Your legal team will provide ongoing updates throughout your case. They will also handle each phase of the negotiation process. They will field offers, make counteroffers, and fight for the best possible financial outcome for you and your family.
Common Injuries That Could Result From a Snow-Related Deck Collapse
When a deck collapses, it can injure multiple people at once. Injuries can be serious and have short-term and long-term consequences. Among the most common deck collapse injuries are:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Psychological stress and trauma
A collapsed deck can also cause crushing injuries sustained under the deck, its furnishings, and an abundance of snow. Crushing and contact injuries can also result from occupants of a collapsing deck falling into and on top of each other.
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Contact Our Deck Collapse Team for a Free Evaluation of Your Case
If you or someone you love was injured when a deck you were standing on, standing under, or standing near collapsed, you could hold the negligent property owner financially liable for your injuries. We have multiple decades of experience fighting for injured clients.
Find out how snow can collapse a deck and how we can help you obtain financial recovery. Get started now by contacting our case evaluation team at Kaine Law today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
