Deck Collapses Causing Injury
An enthusiastic crowd at a sports bar that were watching Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat found themselves dunked in Biscayne Bay when the outdoor deck they were on suddenly collapsed.
At around 9:20 p.m. at the Shucker’s Bar and Grill, a popular bar and restaurant, the outdoor deck collapsed into the water below. According to eyewitness accounts, the collapse came after Miami Heat fans jumped up to celebrate their team scoring a basket. Immediately, customers who had not been on the deck at the time of the collapse, turned into first responders, with some jumping into the water, while others began pulling fellow patrons from the water.
Lt. Ignatius Carroll of Miami Fire-Rescue said 100 people fell into the water and 24 were injured. Three of the accident victims were injured critically. Rescuers were pulling patrons from the bay and divers had been dispatched to search the waters beneath the collapsed deck with helicopters casting spotlights into the area around the collapsed deck. The injured were transported to several hospitals in the area.
So far, according to officials, it is believed that everyone is accounted for.
Deck collapses are not uncommon in the Florida area because of the intense exposure to the elements, humidity and salt water can cause a deck to decay and eventually give way. This is especially true if there has been any negligence on the part of the property owner. Restaurants such as Shucker’s also have to pay very close attention to maintenance to decks used by the public as well as maximum capacity standards. If these capacities are not closely followed, lawsuits can happen if anyone is injured.
Deck collapses can cause very serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a deck collapse or other accident that involves personal injury, give us a call. Our legal professionals will go over the details of your case and help you decide the best course of action. Recovering from personal injuries from an accident can take a very long and a great deal of expense to cover from. There are medical costs, long term costs, loss of income for time you are away from the job. Call us today for your free initial consultation to help you get the compensation you deserve.