Our deck collapse accident attorneys respond that reports indicate that the rear deck on the house on Monticello Lane in Champlin was built without obtaining permits or following the building code. If the deck had been built under a permit and had undergone the required inspection, it never would have passed inspection.
The wooden deck was attached to the home by particle board siding and with nails. The nails were also of an inadequate size. (We note that you should never use nails to attach a deck to home; use lag bolts or through bolts.) And the deck had no pressure-treated ledger board to keep it secure and the connection free from water seepage.
The current homeowner, Felix Neba, who was hosting the party at which the Champlin deck collapse occurred, had bought the home in 2005. The split-level home had been built in 1986. According to a news account from WCCO CBS Minnesota (Bill Hudson, 7/30/13), apparently Neba had never really taken a good look at the deck or had it inspected: he expressed some surprise to learn about how the deck was attached to the house.
Our deck collapse accident attorneys emphasize that homeowners and builders could be held liable for the full costs of injuries and fatalities that result after a negligently built or maintained deck collapses as in the Champlin deck collapse. The deck collapse accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC reiterate that it just makes good sense to thoroughly inspect your deck at least once a year.
If you buy a home that already has a deck, check to see if the proper permits were obtained, when the deck was constructed, and that it followed building code standards. Decks on average only last safely for about 15 to 20 years. If your deck is old or showing signs of wear, replace it. A new deck costs less than the medical treatment and other expenses that you might be liable for if your deck collapses and causes injuries or fatalities.
Download your free guide to building and maintaining a safe deck, and what to do in the event an accident like the Champlin deck collapse occurs resulting in injuries. If you have questions about what to do after a specific deck collapse injury and who’s liable to pay the costs of your medical treatment, contact us at 713-807-9500 or through our online contact form for a free, initial legal consultation. You have no obligation to hire an attorney. And our deck collapse accident attorneys’ more than 12 years of experience with such cases could guide you in taking the proper steps afterwards and in evaluating your eligibility for a full financial recovery. We never charge you attorneys’ fees unless we win your case for you, so you avoid financial risk.