Deck Collapse in Bowling Green

Deck collapses could occur if a deck is old or wasn’t constructed according to the building code. Specific causes of deck collapses also include the following:

Ledger Board Failure

Most decks are connected to houses using a ledger board, and older ledgers are occasionally attached to a wall using only nails. A failure here, including one involving rusty bolts or fasteners, can take out the entire deck.

Foundation Deterioration or Failure

Foundation supports must be installed to sustain the deck’s weight. Strong winds could tear the ledger board from the house when they are not in place.

Dry Rot

Deck supports are often constructed of wood, so they are vulnerable to dry rot, which can decay wood. However, it can be avoided through proper construction and maintenance that effectively seals out water. Deck supports that do not receive this care in design, and upkeep can deteriorate, leading to collapse.

When decks become overburdened for one of the following reasons, even those on newer buildings may collapse:

• Embedded hot tub or pool
• Cumbersome appliances, such as air conditioner compressors
• Overabundant deck furniture
• Over-occupancy (too many people on the deck)

The deck’s age can substantially impact all causes of deck collapses. Property owners are responsible for the safety and maintenance of their premises. They are expected to make sure that they are not lax in repairing structures such as decks or that they don’t become overburdened. Should any accident and injury result from a property owner’s carelessness in maintaining a deck, they may be found liable for related damages.

When a deck collapses, any person present can suffer severe injuries. While the severity of these accidents can vary, certain injuries commonly occur in many deck collapse cases, such as the following:

• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries – These injuries vary in severity from mild neck pain to serious damage, such as the dislocation of discs. The spinal cord is a particularly vulnerable body part and, when subjected to an injury, can result in nerve damage and possibly cause paralysis.
• Head injuries – Falling when a deck collapses can lead to severe head injuries that cause seizures and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Rib injuries – The rib cage protects many of the body’s vital organs, and when it breaks, the entire system under it is at risk of extensive damage.
• Broken bones – The force of falling during a deck collapse can break bones that take a prolonged time to heal, such as a broken or fractured pelvis or hip.
• Internal bleeding – Bleeding related to organs such as the bladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen can be difficult to treat and, in some cases, can result in fatal injury.
• Lacerations – Lacerations are often caused by broken or splintering wood.

Morgan & Morgan is the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, and we have a proven track record of success. We have recovered over $20 billion in damages for our clients and can work to help ensure you receive fair compensation. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists.