* A settlement was reached in a deck collapse lawsuit involving a balcony collapse that happened in Berkeley, California, in 2015, in which six people died. The plaintiffs were reportedly awarded as much as $20 million. Injured in a Deck Collapse?
Full Answer
What accounts for most deck collapses?
The most common mode of total deck collapse involves the deck “pulling away” from the house. This type of failure typically occurs because the ledger board was not properly attached to the house.
How common are deck collapses?
As many as 60 percent of the 45 million deck structures in America have safety issues, according to The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, which also estimates that 90 percent of deck collapses occur from failure in some way of the ledger (connection to the home or building), causing the deck to ...
Can a balcony collapse?
Many properties, such as homes, apartments, restaurants, theaters, music concert halls, and more, have balconies. When they are not maintained properly, the balcony can collapse. Victims can suffer serious injuries when this occurs.
Why do most decks collapse?
According to International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), about 90% of deck collapses occur as a result of the separation of the house and the deck ledger board, allowing the deck to detach from the house.
What makes a deck unsafe?
Issues such as wobbly railings, loose stairs, or ledgers that appear to be pulling away from the home are all causes for concern. Metal connectors, nails and screws can corrode over time. Look for rust and other signs of corrosion that can undermine the structural strength of your deck.
Why would a balcony collapse?
Porch collapse or balcony collapse is a phenomenon typically associated with older multi-storey apartment buildings that have wooden porch extensions on the front or rear of the building. The collapses have a number of causes, including overloading due to excessive weight from overoccupancy (too many people).
How do I know if my balcony is safe?
See below for the 3 warning signs to determine if your deck is at risk:Do Nails hold up your Balcony or Deck? Are nails holding up your deck/balcony? ... How old is your Wood? Like metal rusts, wood rots. ... Are you Rails Sturdy? Your railings should be sturdy and at least 36” high (42” for commercial buildings).
What holds a balcony?
Balconies employ joists, or lateral piece of wood, that run between the primary support beams of the structure. Joists support the floor of the balcony while reinforcing the beams. The juncture between a joist and beam requires special support mechanisms, such as ledger strips or joist hangers.
Can a porch collapse?
Porch collapse or balcony collapse is a phenomenon typically associated with older multi-storey apartment buildings that have wooden porch extensions on the front or rear of the building. The collapses have a number of causes, including overloading due to excessive weight from overoccupancy (too many people).
How do I attach a deck to a ledger board?
0:142:19How to Install a Ledger Board for a Deck - DIY Network - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore installing the ledger board into place there's one very important step which is to waterproofMoreBefore installing the ledger board into place there's one very important step which is to waterproof the houses rim joist using a rubber membrane. This will keep any water running down the exterior.
What are some examples of construction related injuries?
Parking garages, stadiums, skyscrapers and similar types of buildings are just some examples of structures that can cause construction-related injuries. Considering that the large slabs of concrete used to construct them are often suspended high off the ground, the risks of a deck collapse accident is always present.
Do you have to follow the statute of limitations for construction defects?
All hope is not lost. There are actually many states that uphold laws that do not follow the statute of limitations provided that there is a hidden defect.
