1. Check documentation on the decks and their construction. Before you purchase a place, you should check to see if proper building permits and safety inspections were obtained. Since you already own a place, check for prior inspection reports. The structural collapse attorneys at Denena & Points note that many decks are constructed quickly, poorly, using unsuitable materials, and without regard to governing safety standards. Older decks, even if properly constructed, will have weathered and deteriorated over time. These structures all present real hazards of deck collapse, injury, and fatalities.
If you can’t find evidence of building permits or proper safety inspections, get a qualified inspector to check your decks. Unfortunately, not all home inspectors are sufficiently familiar with deck and balcony safety to help you. If that’s the case in your local area, you might want to check if a local university’s architecture or engineering department has any recommendation regarding qualified inspectors.
2. Our structural collapse attorneys suggest that you also check the state of the timber and metal in your deck. Check your deck for rot and for rust and corrosion of any metal components or hardware connectors. Check for cracks and splintering parallel to the wood grain. Timber or metal failure can trigger a disastrous deck collapse. Deck collapses usually occur suddenly and without warning, and bring multiple serious injuries or fatalities in their wake.
3. Check concrete in your deck or its supports for cracking or flaking. Water can penetrate concrete structures and collect inside, corroding steel and metal reinforcements. While this corrosion presents more of a danger in coastal areas in part due to salt, seasonal variations in heat and humidity can stress concrete and metal over time. An unnoticed weakness in a seemingly solid concrete support could prove dangerous if the concrete suddenly cracks or crumbles or the steel reinforcement buckles.
4. Consider the stress of potential weight loads on your decks. Cast iron and stone patio furniture, steel furniture, heavy outdoor umbrella set ups, bbq equipment, coolers, music equipment, large, and well watered potted plants can cause timber deterioration and stress. Then adding a gathering of guests can tip the scales to the critical point. Our structural collapse attorneys point out that a deck with unnoticed hazards and safety issues could suddenly give way and bring your party to an abrupt and deadly end.
After a deck collapse, you might face a horrific accident scene with multiple catastrophic injuries, even fatalities. In addition to the costs of repairing or replacing your fallen deck, you might face the legal liability of paying for your guests’ costs from the accident, possibly over the course of their lifetimes. Your own injuries from the devastating deck collapse accident might add to your burden.
If you need help after a deck collapse, you can call on our experienced structural collapse attorneys for legal guidance. We have the in-depth knowledge and skill with deck collapse cases to help you in an accident investigation. We could help you obtain financial compensation from your insurance company or from other negligent parties responsible for the causes of the deck collapse. Contact us for a free consultation.