Balconies are wonderful additions to any home, except when they cause accidents and injuries. What are the main causes of a balcony accident?

What can you do if you were injured in a balcony accident?

Balcony accidents frequently occur for two main reasons. The first main reason is that the building structures were old and poorly maintained. The second main reason was that the structures were never properly constructed in the first place.

With old balconies, wood can rot and deteriorate, nails and screws can be pulled out over time, and structures can sag. If not properly maintained over the years, especially in houses and buildings that were built in the early 1900s, the structures can collapse and cause serious injuries to the tenants and homeowners.

Newer balconies are no safer than improperly maintained older balconies if they aren’t constructed properly. If the pieces are not attached to the main house or building correctly, they can easily cause the entire balcony to detach and collapse.

What types of injuries can occur if a balcony collapses or breaks in a section?

Serious injuries occur when a balcony breaks or collapses because they’re typically so high up off the ground. When a person falls from such heights, they often sustain major back, neck, spinal cord, or brain injuries. If the victim falls from too high or at the wrong angle, they could die or become paralyzed.

What are your options if you were injured in a balcony accident?

If you’ve been injured in a balcony accident, the owner of the property or the contractor who build the balcony may be liable. Consult with a personal injury attorney to determine who’s at fault and how much you should sue for damages. You may be able to win compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one in a balcony accident you may be able to sue for wrongful death.

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