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New Orleans Balcony Collapses: A Preventable Problem

Posted on Jun 29, 2021 in Local Issues, Personal Injury, Premises Liability

With the tragedy of the building collapse in Miami, premises liability is a trending topic across the nation. Bloom Legal sends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost friends and loved ones, and we wish for the full recovery of those who were injured. This blog post identifies a possible premises liability threat in New Orleans. 

The Potential Dangers of New Orleans Balconies

Wrap-around balconies and wide front porches are hallmarks of New Orleans architecture. As well as being a staple structural feature of homes, bars, clubs, and hotels in the crescent city, balconies and porches are integral to Louisiana culture itself. Here in the South, the front porch is the heart of neighborhood social activities. During Mardi Gras and other parade times, everyone wants to be at a balcony party for a good view of the floats above the bustling crowds.  However, due to the age of many buildings in this city, and the seasonal wear and tear from tropical storms, hurricanes, and thousands of tourist’s feet, porch and balcony collapses are not uncommon. These accidents can happen anywhere, from residential rental homes, to hotels, clubs, and bars. While building owners are supposed to perform regular maintenance to ensure that these structures are safe for their patrons and tenants, some are negligent.  When the negligence of a building owner causes a structural collapse like a balcony falling or a porch caving in, serious injuries can occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a porch or balcony collapse in New Orleans you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. Our dedicated premises liability attorneys at Bloom Legal are ready to assist you in taking action against such negligence.  

Negligent Building Maintenance Is Punishable in Louisiana

Hotel guests and bar patrons expect balconies and porches to be structurally solid and reasonably safe when they use them. Many structural collapse tragedies are entirely preventable, owing to factors such as bad design and poor maintenance. Premises liability laws in Louisiana mandate property owners and managers to take reasonable precautions to ensure that their buildings, structures, and grounds are reasonably safe for guests. Those who fail to do so risk being held responsible for any accidents or injuries that arise as a result of their carelessness. If a person is injured as a result of a property owner's or manager's failure to meet their duty of structural safety and maintenance, the person has the right to seek full and equitable recompense for their bodily, mental, and financial harm. This compensation could include, pain and suffering, current and potential medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of income. In the event that someone died as a result of the negligence of a property owner or manager, the surviving family members of the victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim for compensation. Punitive measures can be taken against irresponsible business owners. 

Seek Legal Help and Pursue Compensation with the Help of a New Orleans Premises Liability Law Firm

If you or a family member was injured in a balcony, porch, or other structural collapse accident, it’s important to find a lawyer to assist you in your case right away. Having an experienced premises liability attorney investigate the accident and represent you in court is essential when standing up to negligent building owners. You deserve restitution for your injuries, so call Bloom Legal, a personal injury law firm, today at 504-599-9997 for a free consultation!

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