Berkeley Balcony Collapse Tragedy Highlights Dangers of Property Defects

Early yesterday morning, six people tragically fell to their deaths in Berkeley, California after a fourth-story apartment balcony collapsed during a birthday party.  While an investigation of the cause of the collapse is underway, Berkeley’s mayor earlier today reported that the balcony’s wooden beams had rotted and weakened due to moisture damage.  If true, it is unfortunate that these six lives might have been spared with simple inspection and preventive maintenance.

What Kind of Property Defects Can Cause Injuries?

When we talk about Ohio premises liability issues on this blog, we frequently discuss slip and fall injuries.  To be certain, defects in sidewalks, spills and puddles, and other trip/slip hazards can be quite dangerous.  These are not the only types of defects that cause injuries, though.

As Cleveland premises liability lawyers, the attorneys at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA have seen a frighteningly wide array of property/premises defects cause serious personal injury, including:

• Poorly maintained staircases and bannisters
• Negligently installed fences
• Dangerous overhead fixtures
• Concealed openings in floors
• Negligently maintained ceilings/roofs
• Insufficient security measures

The fact is that poorly maintained premises cause life-changing injuries every day.  When a property owner has a legal duty to inspect their premises and/or warn visitors about dangerous defects, their failure to do so can result in broken bones, lost wages, and significant hardship for victims and their families.

If You Believe You Have a Premises Liability Claim, Contact an Experienced Premises Liability Lawyer Today

Ohio premises liability law is complex.  To get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, you need an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of premises liability law.  Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA’s personal injury attorneys have been representing clients in premises liability cases for over three decades.  If you or a loved one were injured by a defect on someone’s property, contact us today to discuss your claim.