Porch Collapse
Porch collapse, though rare, is one of the most devastating multi-story building incidents that can occur. During a porch collapse, a balcony or other, raised extension of a building gives way and falls down. Everyone on the patio at that time, as well as anyone underneath it, is at a very high risk of suffering serious injuries.
Typically, older porches and those constructed with wood are most at risk of collapsing. These patios tend to be less stable and quite worn after years of use and wear from weather. While some balconies have been repaired or rebuilt to ensure their reliability, many more remain in use without renovations.
Causes of Porch Collapse
Porch collapse can happen for a number of different reasons, ranging from poor construction to overloading. Typically, balconies fall down for the following reasons:
- Failure to meet building standards
- Failure to maintain the balcony
- Rotted wood
- Rusted and unreliable fasteners
- Overloading with people
- Overloading with appliances, stored goods, and other items
- Overloading with snow
It is extremely important for apartment building owners to protect their tenants from this dangerous phenomenon. There have been a number of notable incidents, including the Chicago balcony collapse of 2003, in which porches have fallen and people have been injured or killed. The property owner is responsible for protecting his or her tenants against the dangers of balcony collapse by adhering to building codes and performing routine maintenance.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured in a porch collapse incident, then the St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys of Beltz & Ruth, P.A. can help you recover damages. Contact our offices today at 800-931-4369 to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced attorneys.