Balconies, decks, railings, and elevated patios can be beautiful and functional—but when structural defects or negligent maintenance lead to a collapse, the results can be catastrophic. At Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys, we represent victims across Florida who have been injured because a balcony, deck, or similar elevated structure failed. We are dedicated to securing accountability, compensation, and justice for those harmed.
Our attorneys hold respected credentials—AV Preeminent Rating, inclusion in Best Lawyers, and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum—and bring decades of experience in premises liability, structural failure, and personal injury matters. You can trust us to handle these cases with rigorous investigation and careful legal strategy.
Why Balcony or Deck Collapses Occur
Many structural collapses are preventable. Common causes include:
- Corrosion, rust, or rot in supporting columns, bolts, or fasteners
- Poor design or engineering flaws that don’t account for load capacity
- Inadequate maintenance or inspections over time
- Wood rot, termite damage, or moisture intrusion below decks
- Loose, missing, or substandard bolts, fasteners, or connectors
- Failed railings or guardrails not up to code
- Excessive loads or overcrowding beyond intended design
- Weather damage, freeze-thaw cycles, or water seepage weakening structural members
When property owners or managers neglect maintenance, ignore warning signs, or fail to inspect structures periodically, innocent visitors or residents can suffer severe injuries.
Common Injuries from Collapses
Poorly constructed or maintained balconies and decks pose extreme danger. Collapse injuries may include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or nerve damage
- Head trauma or traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Crushing injuries, lacerations, or puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries, sprains, and long-term mobility issues
- Emotional trauma, fear, and denial of safe enjoyment of property
These incidents often result in immediate hospitalization, long recovery periods, and significant medical expenses.
Legal Grounds: Premises Liability & Structural Negligence
A collapse claim typically falls under premises liability and structural defect law. To prevail, a victim usually must show:
- The property owner or manager owed a duty to maintain safe structures
- That duty was breached through negligence, poor maintenance, or failure to inspect
- The breach caused the collapse and injuries
- The injuries resulted in actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering
In these cases, key legal concepts include notice, foreseeability, and design defect. Owners should have known their balconies or decks needed inspection, repair, or renovation.
