For those who still neglect proper construction techniques in deck-building, or regular inspections and maintenance, an unfortunate deck collapse in Dekalb County, Georgia illustrates the types of injuries that can occur from a deck collapse accident. As with this collapse on Bridgewater Trace in Stone Mountain, most deck collapses wait to happen until large numbers of guests are gathered together for a BBQ or other festive gathering. Our deck collapse injury lawyers point out that most of these accidents occur during holidays and on weekends.
And as in this accident, the nature of the event itself may add to potential injuries. When this deck collapsed inward as the deck separated from the house, one guest was struck on the head by a speaker from the sound system, and hot coals from the BBQ apparently caused fires that burned many of the guests with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The 10 burn victims had to be hospitalized for their serious injuries. And during a deck collapse, debris can trap victims in the wreckage, meaning they can’t escape the fire.
Fractures, lacerations, torn soft tissues, internal organ traumas, and severe head injuries are also common outcomes when an elevated deck falls off a home. A news report quoted one witness as mentioning something about the deck not having support beams underneath. (www.wsbtv.com, 5/17/14) That this deck collapsed due to separation from the house may also indicate that it was improperly connected to the home, or that the connections were rotten or corroded.
If you’re invited to a gathering on a deck and you notice that the deck looks inadequately supported or maintained, you might be wise to stay off of it and out from under it. Many of the worst injuries in accidents involving collapse of an elevated deck happen to those who were under the deck at the time when the entire deck and its contents come crashing down upon them.
As Memorial day and the start of the summer outdoor gathering season begins, let his horrific deck collapse accident in Dekalb County serve as warning that you need to thoroughly inspect your deck and make any needed repairs before a serious accident occurs. The deck collapse injury lawyers at Denena and points emphasize that such accidents can saddle the homeowners, who might be injured themselves by the deck’s fall, with heavy financial liabilities for guests’ injuries.
Download our free guide to learn how to construct and maintain a safe deck.