Be cautious when having a get-together at a rental property. A group of Virginia Commonwealth University students were seriously injured at a house party in Richmond, Virginia (VA). Guests were on a second floor deck when it collapsed and crashed to the ground. The injuries sustained included a fractured back, contusions and muscle sprains, according to Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
A city inspector determined the deck violated building and housing codes and the allegations against the property owner included gross negligence and fraudulent concealment.
The victims of this deck accident sought legal counsel and were able to secure a $110,000 settlement.
This situation is an example of how important it is to stay on top of property maintenance and inspections. If the upkeep of a home or condo is ignored, terrible accidents like this will occur. About 2,000 people suffered serious injuries and 30 people died in deck collapses accidents between 2000 and 2006, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association.