Sunday night just before 9, several people were gathered on Monticello Lane in Champlin, Minnesota for a barbeque when the 2nd story deck they were on dropped off of the home. The sudden deck failure sent them plunging about 8 feet to the ground. Our deck collapse injury attorneys note that reports stated 4 people, 3 adults and a baby, received transport to the hospital for injuries from the Champlin deck collapse. The injuries included back and neck pain, lacerations, bumps, and bruises.
Authorities indicated that the age of the deck might have been a factor in its collapse. (Sources: WCCO CBS Minneapolis 7/29/13; and KARE 11 7/28/13)
The deck collapse injury attorneys wish the victims of the Champlin deck collapse safe and rapid recoveries from their injuries.
The Usual Safe Lifespan of a Deck is Only 15 to 20 Years
Surveys regarding deck safety in the United States generally conclude that less than 40% of American decks are safe. This is because many of them are old and built to lower code standards.
Our experienced deck collapse injury attorneys point out that the usual safe lifespan of a deck is even shorter than 15 to 20 years in areas with extreme climates. We’ve written several times about how the extreme heat, humidity, and salt air of southern coastal environments could accelerate the aging process of a deck, leading to sudden deck collapse and needless injuries or deaths within just a few years. But we should also point out that the extreme winters of Minnesota, coupled with strong seasonal variations in moisture and temperature, could accelerate the corrosion of deck hardware, weakening of wood, and even cracking and crumbling of masonry and concrete nearly as fast.
It’s very important to have your deck thoroughly inspected for safety and aging effects at least once per year and to follow up with all necessary maintenance and repairs. And when an inspection indicates it’s time to replace the deck, do it. You can replace a deck. You can’t replace lost life or limb.
Click the link to read about another deck collapse likely due to age of the deck. And don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no obligation initial legal consultation if you’ve been hurt in a deck collapse and need sound advice from experienced deck collapse injury attorneys. Reach us direct at 281-369-4363 or just fill out our online contact form to schedule your free legal consultation.
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