Accident in Home on Westmoor Avenue Causes Multiple Injuries in Balcony Collapse
A balcony collapse on September 16 in Daly City injured four people, including two children. The accident occurred at a home on Westmoor Avenue near Seaview Drive at about 1:07 p.m. The Chief of the North County Fire Authority said the home where the accident occurred was a single-family two-story.
Four People Transported to a Trauma Center Following Collapsed Balcony Accident
According to the accident report, the incident involved two adults as well as two children who were all on the balcony when the collapse occurred. Multiple rescue and fire teams were at the scene to assist. Those who were injured were transported by ambulance to a nearby trauma center.
Investigation Underway to Determine Why Balcony Fell
The crews with the fire companies stayed at the accident scene for around an hour. A structural investigation is being conducted by a building inspector to determine why the accident happened.
The Dangers of the Collapse of a Balcony or Deck
Many people are unaware of the dangers of deck or balcony collapse. A balcony, deck failure or collapse causes over 6,000 serious injuries, resulting in permanent disabilities and fatalities every year. While building codes and requirements have become tougher, millions of decks built years ago were constructed before codes were as stringent. In many cases, decks have become dilapidated or dangerous due to poor maintenance. Deck collapses are almost always preventable.
Injuries Caused by a Collapsed Balcony
Suddenly feeling a balcony give way underneath you can be a terrifying experience, especially if other family members are with you. These accidents often occur because the construction was faulty or the ledger or joist gave way. Common injuries that can happen in a balcony collapse include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from concussion to hemorrhage or more serious conditions
- Internal injuries from bleeding to damage to an organ
- Bone fractures
- Serious lacerations
- Spinal cord trauma or damage to the person’s back
Medical Expenses Can Be Astronomical
Any of these injuries can result in high medical expenses, lost wages for breadwinners in the family and, of course, the pain and suffering that goes along with it. With the help of an accident attorney, the injured party may be able to recover compensation for their injuries by placing a premises liability lawsuit or a claim against the builder. To prove your claim, one of the following must be shown:
- The problem was caused by the property owner or builder.
- An issue with the balcony was known by the owner or builder, but they did nothing to repair it or mention it.
- In an apartment building, when property maintenance was performed and regular checks made, it is reasonable that the property owner knew the balcony could be dangerous.
Balcony Collapse Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a balcony collapse lawyer. If you or your loved ones were injured because your balcony collapsed, an accident attorney might be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Phone us at (916) 921-6400 if you would like free and friendly advice from one of our injury lawyers. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging us.
A free virtual or in-person consultation can be arranged for you to have your case reviewed and find out ways you can recover compensation as well as ask questions.
We have helped many people over the years in obtaining the compensation they deserve, as you can see at the following:
We belong to the Top 1 Percent and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates.
Photo attribution: Image by 12138562 from Pixabay
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