"When I was injured due to inadequate security at a retail center in Columbus, I felt completely lost. This firm quickly stepped in, investigated the facts, and held the property owner accountable for their negligence. They treated my case with dignity and professionalism, securing a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I highly recommend them for any crime-related injury on someone else's property."
Injury Due to Weak or Deteriorated Deck: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Injury Due to Weak or Deteriorated Decks: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Injury Due to Weak or Deteriorated Decks throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Defective Property Condition Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Collapsed Deck & Deteriorated Deck Lawyers: Premises Liability
Outdoor decks and balconies are meant to be safe gathering spaces, but when they suffer from wood rot, rusted fasteners, or structural deterioration, they become extreme hazards. A weak or deteriorated deck that collapses under weight can cause a horrific accident, leading to catastrophic injuries—including spinal cord damage, severe fractures, internal trauma, and even wrongful death.
These collapses are almost always the result of a property owner or landlord's negligent failure to inspect and maintain the structure. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt by a collapsed deck in Ohio, you have the right to pursue a Premises Liability claim. Our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team handles complex structural failure cases, fighting to secure maximum compensation under Ohio Revised Code and building safety standards.
Establishing Liability for Defective Decks Under Ohio Law
In Ohio, property owners owe a high duty of care to their invitees (guests, tenants, customers) to ensure the premises are reasonably safe. For decks, this duty includes routine inspection and proactive maintenance to prevent structural failure. We establish the owner's breach of duty based on key legal principles:
R.C. § 5321.04: Landlord Duty to Maintain
For residential rental properties, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 places a non-delegable duty on landlords to keep all common areas and structural elements (like decks and balconies) in a fit and habitable condition. Ignoring signs of a deteriorated deck, such as soft, rotting wood or failing ledger boards, is a clear violation of this statutory duty, establishing negligence per se (negligence as a matter of law).
Owner Notice of Defect
For all properties, we prove the owner had superior knowledge of the hazard. This can be through Actual Notice (e.g., prior complaints or maintenance reports) or Constructive Notice, meaning the deck's weakened state (e.g., severe corrosion or visible rot) existed for such a length of time that the owner should have known about it through reasonable inspection, but failed to repair the weak deck.
- Building Code Violations: Deck failures often involve violations of the Ohio Basic Building Code (OBBC), particularly concerning anchoring techniques (ledger boards) and load capacity. We investigate these violations to demonstrate negligence.
Expert Investigation of Deck Collapse
When a deck collapses under weight, crucial evidence is often scattered or quickly removed. Our firm acts immediately to preserve the scene and build a comprehensive case against the negligent parties:
- Forensic Engineering: We retain structural engineers to analyze the failure point of the collapsed deck, identifying the exact cause, such as improper flashing, corroded bolts, or the use of non-pressure-treated wood leading to premature rot.
- Maintenance and Inspection Records: We subpoena all maintenance histories, contractor reports, and permits to prove the deck was improperly built, negligently repaired, or never inspected as required.
- Identifying Multiple Defendants: Liability may extend beyond the property owner to include the original builder/contractor (for construction defects) or a maintenance company (for negligent inspection). We ensure all responsible parties are named.
Damages and Ohio's Statute of Limitations (R.C. 2305.10)
Injuries from a collapsed deck fall are catastrophic, often involving falls from heights. We fight for comprehensive financial recovery for all victims:
- Emergency Medical Bills, Surgery, and Extensive Rehabilitation Costs
- Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and Multiple Fractures
- Lost Wages, Future Loss of Earning Capacity, and Permanent Disability
- Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and Wrongful Death Damages
The statute of limitations for a Personal Injury lawsuit in Ohio (R.C. § 2305.10) is typically two years from the date of the deck collapse. Due to the rapid loss of structural evidence, immediate legal consultation is critical.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury because a weak or deteriorated deck collapsed, contact us immediately. We understand the specific statutory duties and building standards that govern these tragic cases.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule your Free Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
What Our Clients Say
After prolonged exposure to toxic mold at my workplace, I started experiencing severe health issues. Proving the connection to the business's negligence felt impossible until I hired this firm. They were brilliant, connecting my health problems to the landlord's failure to address water damage. They gave me my health and my life back by securing a significant settlement. For mold-related injury cases, they are unparalleled."
"My accident at a poorly maintained apartment complex pool in Dayton was terrifying. I suffered a serious head injury. This law firm was incredible; they immediately started investigating the pool's safety records and maintenance log. Their work resulted in a successful claim against the property management. If you've been injured at a pool in Ohio, you want this firm on your side."
"The defective stairs at a restaurant in Toledo caused a significant knee injury. The property owner initially refused to pay, but this firm took on the challenge. They brought in experts to show the code violations and built an undeniable case. Thanks to their legal expertise, I received a fair settlement that allows me to focus on my recovery. They truly excel with cases involving unsafe property conditions."
"My child was tragically bitten by a dog at a neighbor's property in Akron. Navigating the aftermath and dealing with the owners was incredibly stressful. The team at this law firm was compassionate yet fiercely effective. They understood Ohio's dog bite laws thoroughly and fought to ensure my child received the necessary medical care and compensation for their trauma. They are the best dog bite attorneys in the state."
"I had a terrible slip and fall accident on a wet floor at a grocery store in Cincinnati that led to a serious fracture. The store tried to deny responsibility, but this firm's meticulous preparation and dedication proved the store's negligence. They were communicative throughout the entire process, making a stressful situation much easier to handle. Choose them if you need a top-notch slip and fall lawyer."
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PH: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 • OFFICE LOCATION • 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, OH 43220