How do I know who's qualified to inspect my deck in Ohio for safety? | DENENA | POINTS

Our deck safety lawyers realize that even today balcony and deck safety standards remain a weak point in many inspections in Ohio and elsewhere. Inspectors otherwise well qualified to attest to the structural integrity of other parts of a building might not be all that knowledgeable about the decks and balconies attached to the outside of the structure. It isn’t unheard of for a balcony collapse or a deck collapse to occur just after an inspector unfamiliar with all current safety standards for such outdoor structures has passed the deck or balcony as “safe.”

 The rules determining who is a “qualified” inspector vary according to local regulations. Sometimes the municipal buildings inspectors will have suitable credentials and backgrounds qualifying them to inspect and verify the safety of your deck or balcony. In other locations, you may need to enlist the services of a home inspector, a structural engineer, or an architect to properly inspect your balcony or deck. A little extra work spent in locating and hiring a properly qualified inspector can save you, your friends, and your family from the dangers of a sudden balcony collapse or deck collapse.

 Our deck safety lawyers emphasize that particularly with older balconies and decks, safety is often an issue. Outdoor structures, especially wooden ones, naturally weaken and change over time. Even the most well constructed decks and balconies need replacement eventually. Especially f your outdoor structure is nearing 20 years old or older, you should have it inspected for safety by a qualified inspector.

 The inspector might say that the structure needs replacement in order to avoid the dangers of potential injury or death from a balcony collapse or a deck collapse. If you need to replace the structure, you should make sure that you hire an experienced, well-qualified professional builder familiar with current safety standards governing decks and balconies.

 If you have questions about an injury resulting from deck, porch, balcony, or other structural failure, contact our experienced deck safety lawyers for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. We could help you understand your important rights, legal options, and responsibilities in obtaining a full financial recovery for your harm.