Porch Collapse
Porch collapses, though a relatively rare phenomenon, have the potential to be extremely serious. These events can be deadly if the balcony that gives way is situated high above the ground or above another occupied porch. Even when a porch collapse occurs and no one is hurt, the involved parties will still suffer significant property damage and monetary losses.
Porch collapse is a term that is typically dedicated to the falling of a porch in a multi-story, multiple-occupancy building such as an apartment complex or hotel. In reference to single-occupancy homes, deck collapse is more often used to describe these events.
Causes of Porch Collapse
A number of factors can contribute to a porch collapse. Often, two or more of these causes act together to result in a porch falling down. They include the following:
- Rotted wood
- Rusted nails and fasteners
- Failure to maintain and repair porch
- Overloading with people
- Overloading with furniture, stored goods, or appliances
- Overloading with snow
- Poor construction
- Failure to meet building codes or standards
Typically, porch collapse occurs in older buildings. These structures are more likely to have porches built before modern safety codes were established. The older materials used in these balconies and decks, if left unrepaired and unmaintained, can become quite reliable under a heavy load.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dangerous porch collapse, then you may have the right to claim damages from the construction company, apartment owner, or other party responsible for this tragic incident. Contact Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell today at 877-948-4842 to discuss your legal options.
