Hotel balconies are often sought-after features for many visitors. An outdoor space can be romantic or relaxing during a stressful business trip or brief vacation. Occasionally, they can also be dangerous.
Improper facility maintenance could lead to a railing failing while someone leans on it or a balcony collapsing when in use by many people at a gathering. People can fall or get struck by falling debris in such scenarios. If a balcony collapses or a similar maintenance-related issue occurs, those injured at hotels and other properties may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
Balcony maintenance and design are safety critical
Balconies are exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to wear. They are also popular features — meaning that they must absorb a heavy load. Proper design and regular maintenance of balconies are critical to their overall safety.
Design issues have contributed to some of the most horrific balcony collapses ever reported, such as the infamous balcony collapse at a hotel in 1981. That catastrophic collapse during a dance event killed 114 people and injured 216 others.
Maintenance issues are often to blame for less-catastrophic balcony collapses involving smaller numbers of people. Most collapses result in a few injuries, rather than dozens. However, those are serious and can be fatal. Allowing facilities to weather and age can lead to the sudden failure of supports or railings.
Injured visitors may be able to hold businesses accountable for their failure to maintain hotel infrastructure or the use of faulty design elements. Having legal guidance in reviewing the circumstances of a balcony collapse can help injured people determine if there are grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
