Porch, Deck, Balcony Safety - Inspect Structures Now Says Attorney Murphy
Last summer there were several cases of a porch, deck, railing or balcony collapse resulting in serious injuries or death to the users. Chicago accident and injury lawyer Francis Patrick Murphy of the Corboy & Demetrio law firm cautions homeowners, renters, and users of porches, decks and balconies to be concerned and vigilant about such building structures this summer.
Murphy remarked:
Now that nice weather has arrived, it is crucial that porches, decks and balconies be thoroughly inspected and examined to make sure they are safe and secure. Even though they were in good shape last Fall, the integrity and soundness of any structure can be affected by Chicago’s winter storms and weather. The City of Chicago, as well as many suburban municipalities, have building codes that must be adhered to when designing and constructing outside structures. There are also codes for the proper maintenance of them. Any tenant or frequent user of a porch, deck or balcony who suspects safety has been compromised should immediately report it to the owner of the property and request an immediate inspection by the City of Chicago - no matter what time of year it is.
Personal Injury Lawyer Francis Patrick Murphy
Murphy is a highly sought after lawyer in porch and deck collapse cases due to his extensive experience and success. He presently represents two young people from Chicago who fell from a porch/deck when the railing collapsed. He also represents a McHenry County woman who fell two stories as she stepped onto her deck from her kitchen, a family whose child was injured when he fell through porch posts, and the surviving family of a young man killed when he fell through a porch railing.
Murphy’s achievements in porch and deck collapse cases include a record-setting $4 million settlement for a young woman who fell from a porch when a railing broke away. It is the highest settlement in Illinois for an injury resulting from a defective porch railing. He represented several victims of the 2003 Lincoln Park porch collapse and was instrumental in brokering a $16.6 million global settlement. In another case, Murphy was successful in securing $2.15 million for a couple who were injured when a deck railing gave way and they fell to the ground.
To consult with Attorney Murphy or any other personal injury lawyer at Corboy & Demetrio, call 312.346.3191. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.