Falling from a Balcony Injury Attorneys

Our charismatic, aggressive, skilled attorneys may be able to help help you receive fair compensation against a negligent building owner, or construction company. Even if they made routine inspections, the responsible parties may have performed improper maintenance, leading to dangerous conditions and even death.

Common Causes of Balcony Fall Accidents

Many residents and guests assume that balconies in apartment buildings, shopping malls, and other commercial buildings are adequately maintained, which is why it may be difficult to comprehend how a balcony fall can occur. 

However, balcony fall accidents are more common than you think, and there are several reasons why such accidents happen in the first place.

In most balcony fall accidents, the underlying cause is the property owner’s negligence. Wear and tear and changes in weather conditions can weaken a balcony’s structure, and lack of inspection and maintenance can cause weakened balconies to break, causing injuries to people.

The following are some causes of balcony falls in the United States.

Rusted Nuts and Bolts

Over the years, nuts and bolts can become rusty due to precipitation, causing them to eat and weaken the metal. In such situations, if a resident or a guest leans against the balcony railing with rusted screws, it can lead to the railing snapping and causing the victim to fall off.

Overload

Balconies have a weight limit, and those tenants who have guests or parties may weaken the structure holding the balcony, making it a severe hazard for the next tenant moving in.

Lack of Warnings

If the balcony is structurally deficient and the property owner knows about it, they must provide a warning sign to let people know. However, property owners may fail to inform the residents and guests, leading to serious accidents.

Lack of Inspections

The property owner must conduct inspections to identify weak balconies or carry out routine maintenance to ensure the structure’s integrity. It could involve replacing the railings, the rusted nuts, and bolts or resolving any other structural problems. 

Failing to ensure adequate inspections and maintenance can lead to a weakened balcony, becoming a safety risk for everyone.

Common Injuries from Balcony Falls

Balconies are often at a height, and depending on the distance you fall from, it could lead to catastrophic injuries.

The following are some common injuries from balcony falls:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A TBI is one of the most devastating injuries one can sustain and can occur when the victim falls on their head. TBIs have a long-term impact on the victim, from physical and cognitive impairment to a serious financial burden.

• Spinal cord injuries: The spine is responsible for sending signals from the brain to other body parts and receiving signals back. A devastating fall on the back can seriously injure the spine, severing the link between the brain and other body parts and affecting bodily functions, motor and sensory signals, and cognitive functions. In the worst-case scenario, spinal cord injuries can lead to lifetime paralysis, requiring life care, medical assistance, and home modification equipment, costing millions of dollars for the victim.

• Fractured bones and shattered joints: A balcony fall can lead to broken bones depending on the impact. Severe fractures may require extensive surgical procedures and rehabilitation to recover some movement.

• Internal bleeding and organ damage: When a person falls from a balcony, it can cause internal organ damage. Broken ribs can pierce the lungs or rupture the spleen, causing serious internal bleeding and damage. These types of injuries are dangerous as without a proper medical examination, the victim is unaware of their bodily health, leading to medical complications.

• Secondary injuries: After sustaining injuries, the victim needs to seek medical help and follow their doctor’s treatment plan. Failing to do so can lead to medical complications, such as an infection spreading throughout the body.

The prognosis for victims surviving a balcony fall is rarely favorable, and in some cases, it can even lead to an instant or painful death.

Balcony falls can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages for which injured victims must pursue personal injury claims to recover compensation for their loss.