Misunderstanding or frankly, ignorance, are so often the foundation of opinions that then become facts in the eyes of many. This phenomenon is very accurate when it comes to the reporting of, and sometimes the investigation of balcony collapses. If you are injured as a result of the July 15, 2012 balcony collapse in southeast Austin don’t believe all of the folks saying it is your fault. Call our law firm at 877-337-9500 and let us figure out if we can help you with your medical bills and lost wages. We want to stop the shoddy construction practices and lack of proper inspections that lead to balcony collapses and injuries. By taking your case we continue the battle in the larger war to make balconies safer.
The Austin American-Statesman states, “About 30 people were thrown screaming to the ground hours before dawn after the collapse of the second floor balcony.” According to the newspaper, a “preliminary investigation” indicates 30 people were on the 400 square foot patio at the time of the collapse, “exceeding the structure’s weight limit.” The paper cites unnamed officials for this opinion.
Clearly the balcony collapsed and thus the structural limits were exceeded; however, had it been constructed properly this size structure would have withstood this load.
In our cases, city officials and of course the defense lawyers always blame the tenant and guests for overloading the strucutre. The truth is – almost always the structure is to blame. Horrible construction practices, Unpermitted construction, lack of proper inspections, and a general misunderstanding of balcony construction all lead to tragedies like this.
Download our report on balcony collapses, read the information on this site and give us a call. You will speak with one of our Board Certified Trial Attorneys. We will answer all your questions. We will give you the information you need to decide what is best for you going forward.