In a recently settled case, plaintiff sued both landlord and landlord’s construction company for injury sustained when an elevated deck collapsed.
The plaintiff in this case was an invited guest of the tenant living in a home owned by the landlord (defendant). While the tenant and guest were on the deck, the elevated deck collapsed completely. Plaintiff sustained severe leg injuries, which caused a disability absence from work.
After the collapse, plaintiff learned that the tenant had previously expressed concern over the stability of the deck. In fact, the tenant had asked the landlord (who had owned the property for “many years,” to inspect and repair the deck because from below, it appeared that the deck was separating from the home. The tenant testified that the landlord, a Class B contractor, walked to the back of the home, looked at the deck, and told the tenant there was no reason for concern. [Read more…]
