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Wilmington Deck Collapse Lawyer
Compensation for Accidents Involving Deck and Railing Collapses
North Carolina’s Vacation Rental Act requires homeowners or property managers to ensure the safety of vacation rentals along the coast, making them responsible for any accidents that are caused by property defects. This means that if you were on vacation at a North Carolina beach such as Topsail, Wrightsville Beach, Ocean Isle or the surrounding areas, and you were injured by a collapsing railing, deck or dock, you may have a personal injury claim.
At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we can help you determine your legal options for pursuing compensation following a deck collapse. Our Wilmington injury lawyers have more than 30 years
legal experience handling complex premises liability claims and other civil litigation.
Is a Landlord Liable?
A landlord is generally liable for property conditions; however, liability is sometimes assigned to the party in control of the property, rather than based simply on property ownership. When visitors are injured by dangerous or faulty conditions, liability may belong to the lessee or tenant, not the lessor.
That being said, owners may be liable if they are contractually responsible for repairs, had knowingly allowed the dangerous condition to exist, or had knowingly allowed lessees to conduct dangerous activities.
On the other hand, if products or materials used in construction were defective and led to an accident with injuries, a product liability claim may be appropriate. Product manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers of defects that may be hazardous.
Deck Inspection
North Carolina’s building code has requirements for new buildings; however, there are no requirements for ongoing inspections unless a complaint is made.
Some basic ways to check the safety of a deck include:
- Watch for wood that is retaining moisture and signs of splitting or decay.
- Check handrails and other components for strength by pushing or pulling.
- Inspect the fasteners and support hardware for rust and corrosion.
Pursuing Fair and Reasonable Compensation for You
Deck collapses typically result in catastrophic injuries such as back injuries, head injuries, broken bones and maybe even internal injuries. Often these injuries can lead to permanent disability such as paraplegia or quadriplegia, forever changing your life. When you work with our firm, we seek just compensation to which you may be entitled for:
- Your medical expenses
- Rehabilitative costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Home adaptation or modification, as needed
When It Really Matters – Contact Rhine Law Firm, P.C.
Rhine Law Firm, P.C., has represented numerous individuals and groups who have been injured by improperly constructed and/or maintained decks and railing failures. Many of these clients have been vacationing families gathering on a deck that collapsed due to a lack of proper maintenance or unresolved construction defects.
Whether your deck collapse took place in Brunswick County, Pender County, or elsewhere in North Carolina, we invite you to contact us at (910) 772-9960 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. Office hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments also available. We offer Spanish translation and interpretation services as needed.
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