Premises liability is a branch of tort law that handles injuries on another person or business premises. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is safe and that all hidden dangers are adequately warned against. When property owners fail to maintain their grounds, one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur is a porch collapse.
If a negligent property owner has injured you or someone you know, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact the Oklahoma City porch collapse injury lawyers of the Abel Law Firm to discuss your legal options. Call (405) 239-7046 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why You Need an Attorney
When a relaxing afternoon or evening surrounded by friends and loved ones unexpectedly turns tragic because of a porch collapse, you and others may be left with life-altering injuries, a lifetime of pain, and a seemingly impossible financial situation. By hiring an attorney and taking legal action, you can recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost potential income, and pain and suffering.
When you are already treating your injuries, adding one more expense by hiring a lawyer doesn’t seem feasible. However, the Oklahoma City premises liability lawyers not only offer a free consultation but also work on a contingency basis, meaning they get paid only if you do. When the stakes are this high, and your future depends on recovering financial compensation, you can’t afford not to hire an attorney.
Experienced porch collapse lawyers have the necessary resources and know how to investigate these types of cases to determine cause and fault. From there, they can determine who should be held liable, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies every step of the way, even if that means taking your case to court. Attempting to handle a porch collapse case alone would be very difficult and stressful, and you most likely wouldn’t get the compensation you desperately need.
Why Choose Us
Porch collapse accidents are incredibly complex and require extensive legal knowledge. That level of expertise can only be found at the Abel Law Firm. Our Oklahoma City attorneys have over 130 years of combined experience fighting for victims just like you to ensure no negligent act goes unpunished and no victim has to live without the means to pay for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other damages.
For victims hesitant to take legal action because the incident occurred on a friend’s or family member’s porch, we want you to know that there are other options. The Oklahoma City porch collapse lawyers know that not every porch collapse is the property owner’s fault, and, in many cases, they are the fault of negligent construction companies. We will do whatever it takes to determine who was at fault and ensure they are held accountable.
At Abel Law Firm, we believe our reputation speaks for itself. That’s why so many people in the Oklahoma City area have trusted us to represent them in their times of need. We handle every case like it’s our only case. We promise to treat you and your family with the care and respect you deserve from the moment you walk through our doors to the moment we win. Take the first step in protecting your future by calling us today.
Structurally Unsafe Porches
While an individual may incur injuries from many accidents, unsound structures are one of the most common. Because porches, balconies, and decks do not have foundations, they have the potential to collapse. Frequently, these structures are supported by wooden posts, which can only remain stable under a certain amount of weight. If numerous people are standing on one of these structures during a party or gathering, it may collapse, resulting in serious injuries.
Depending on the accident’s circumstances, several people may be liable for injuries and losses, including the property owner, a contracted maintenance company, the primary renter, or a guest. If you have questions about your rights, a porch collapse attorney from our firm can help you find answers.
Common Causes for Porch Collapse
In addition to structurally unsafe porches, several other causes of porch collapse accidents exist. Safe and common-sense installation and maintenance practices can avoid most porch collapse accidents. However, many porches aren’t taken care of or are poorly designed and installed in the first place, putting innocent people at risk of catastrophic injuries.
Building a structurally-sound porch requires careful planning that includes how it will be used and the maximum number of people on the porch simultaneously. High-quality building materials and expert construction are also required. From construction companies poorly designing the porch or building the porch with inferior materials to homeowners not properly maintaining the porch, several different parties can be liable for a porch collapse.
Some of the most common causes of porch collapse are:
- Poor porch design – A porch collapse can be prevented immediately through safe and proper design. When architects design a structural defect or violate a building code, it can eventually lead to an accident, no matter how soundly it’s built and carefully maintained.
- Rotten wood – Wood can weaken over time due to termites, water damage, and old age. This damage can lead to porch failure if not properly repaired or replaced.
- Poor building materials – All materials should be strong and in the best possible condition. If not, you can take legal action against the construction company.
- Bad craftsmanship – Using poor materials can also hold construction companies liable for poor craftsmanship or rushed jobs.
- Lack of warning signs for dangers – If a porch is being built or repaired, there must be clear signs indicating the structure is unsafe or under repair and warning people to stay off.
Any of the above actions can result in a porch collapse accident that may cause several serious injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and even death. You deserve financial compensation to get you through this stressful time, so contact us today and learn more about your legal options moving forward.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a porch collapse, you do not have to bear the consequences alone. With the help of an Oklahoma City premises liability lawyer, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To discuss your legal options, contact the Abel Law Firm today by calling (405) 239-7046.
