Property owners have a duty of care to address any hazards that could put their guests or patrons at risk on their property. This includes dangers involving decks, which can collapse due to a variety of reasons. The five most common causes of deck collapses include severe weather conditions, problems with the deck’s ledge, wood rot, poorly-fitting joists, and issues with the original design.
A premises liability lawyer can build a case if you suffered injuries due to a deck collapse accident.
The Five Most Common Causes of Deck Collapses Could Result From Negligence
Whenever a property owner opens their premises to guests, patrons, or other invitees, they must make sure it is reasonably safe and free of various hazards.
Decks, like any other part of a building or house, are subject to normal wear and tear and hazards. Still, it is the property owner’s responsibility to conduct regular inspections, maintain them, and place clear warning signs around them when they are under construction.
Consider the following five most common causes of deck collapses that can lead to injuries:
Severe Weather Conditions
Decks can collapse due to severe weather conditions, especially in Georgia, where hurricanes can occur. Sometimes, severe weather conditions do not entirely damage a deck when they occur but rather, cause enough damage that the deck collapses days, weeks, or months afterward.
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their decks after severe weather conditions compromise them. If you suffered injuries due to a compromised deck that collapsed after a severe weather condition, we can fight for compensation.
Problems With the Ledge Pulling Away from the House
A ledge board is the piece of wood that connects the deck to the house. When these are not installed properly or sustain damage, the deck can shift away from the house, creating the potential for a total deck collapse.
When installing ledge boards, property owners should make sure they use the correct carriage bolts, considering which size, spacing, and depth is proper for the specific area. They may also have to use flashing (made of acrylic or asphalt) to protect the ledge board from excessive wear and tear.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is a common form of regular wear and tear on a deck, but it can get to the point where it compromises the entire surface. Property owners should use proper sealants to prevent wood rot and replace areas of the deck that are affected.
They should also recognize the signs of wood rot, which include:
- A musty smell
- Fungal growth, such as mushrooms
- A cracked appearance
- Wood that crumbles to the touch
- Termite dust
Each of these things takes weeks to manifest. Property owners must routinely inspect their properties to prevent others from harm.
Poorly-Fitting Joists
Joists hold the deck together at various points of contact, such as the beams. They provide support for the entire deck, so when they fail, a deck collapse can occur. Once again, property owners must ensure that the right size and types of joists are used to construct the deck and support the expected weight.
As with other parts of a deck, joists can experience regular wear and tear and must be maintained for safety.
Issues With the Original Design
Sometimes, the original design of a deck does not meet acceptable safety standards. For example, when designing a deck to hold a certain amount of weight, construction workers must take various dimensions into consideration, such as length, height, and width. They also must make sure they use the right materials to construct the deck.
Original design flaws can create avoidable hazards, and it’s on the property owner to make sure they secure the proper permits and hire certified workers to construct a safe deck.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Our Deck Collapse Accident Lawyers Can Handle Your Case
Our personal injury lawyers can help you seek compensation after suffering injuries due to a deck collapse. We can take your case whether your accident occurred on public or private property.
While you rest and recover from your injuries, we can:
- Investigate the cause of the deck collapse by looking into inspection and maintenance records
- Gather evidence of negligence on the part of a property owner, government entity, or another liable party
- Communicate with the liable party, their insurers, and their representatives
- File an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Handle all the necessary paperwork
- Represent you in a trial
We pride ourselves on providing client-focused legal care. We will give your case the individualized attention to detail it deserves and provide regular updates as it progresses.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit Due to a Deck Collapse Accident
Keep in mind that the best course of action in your case may be to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit. If this is the case, you will have a deadline to meet. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit.
This does not leave your lawyer much time to investigate and negotiate with insurers. The sooner you call us, the better we can protect your right to seek compensation through legal action.
If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your chance to hold a liable party accountable. Our legal team can work to meet this deadline and handle your case.
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Call Kaine Law to Learn More About Pursuing a Premises Liability Case
You may not know where to start when it comes to a premises liability case, but the lawyers at Kaine Law do. We can explore your legal options and determine if the five most common causes of deck collapse played a role in your accident. Even if not, we can determine how a property owner’s negligence contributed to your injuries.
Call us today for your free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
