Balcony Accidents

The dedicated premises liability lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III represent people on Cape Cod and throughout the state who have been involved in balcony falls and other accidents on property. These accidents can cause very significant injuries, from broken bones to spine, neck, and head trauma, and they may even result in death. Our Cape Cod balcony accident lawyers understand the pain and stress that come with being injured in these types of accidents, both for a person who falls off a balcony and for their family. We are committed to helping clients focus on their physical and mental recovery while we build evidence for their legal claim.

Balcony falls can be caused by a number of factors. In vacation settings, alcohol consumption and relaxation may lead people to be less aware of safety hazards than they otherwise would be. At the same time, however, hotel, condo, and other property owners do not always keep their properties up to date with safety codes and other requirements. A balcony with a guard rail that is shaky, damaged, or simply too low to be effective can be an invitation to an accident. Meanwhile, simple warnings about balcony safety hazards or reminders to be careful near the railings may be the difference between an enjoyable outdoor experience and a terrible accident.

It is important to understand that Massachusetts personal injury law operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Here is what that means in ordinary language. Even if you are partly to blame for an accident, you may be able to get some compensation for your injuries. A judge or jury needs to find that you were not more than 51 percent at fault for the accident in order for you to get compensation. The money damages typically available for a person injured in a balcony fall include compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages due to time away from your job, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The family of a person tragically killed in a fall can also seek compensation by filing a wrongful death case with the assistance of a balcony accident attorney on Cape Cod.

It is important to understand just how vital it is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner. Insurance companies and property owners often look to settle balcony fall claims for pennies on the dollar. They do that by approaching the injured person and their family shortly after the accident – you may even still be in the hospital – and using pressure tactics during what is often already a stressful time. A seasoned Cape Cod balcony accident attorney will negotiate aggressively to ensure that you get the full compensation that you are entitled to obtain under the law, while standing ready to take the case through litigation if needed.

Balcony falls, roof collapses, and other similar cases usually focus on a legal theory called premises liability. Generally, a property owner (whether it is a home, hotel, office space, retail store, or other property) is required to keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition. That means making sure that balconies are safe to use and that railings and other precautions are adequate. The owner also has a responsibility to warn others of safety hazards of which the owner knows or should know through a reasonable inspection. An owner, for example, may post a sign stating the maximum number of people who can be on the balcony at the same time. An owner that does not live up to these responsibilities is likely to be liable for any injuries that happen as a result.

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, we have been representing clients in balcony fall and other premises liability cases since 1994. We have a strong track record of success for the people whom we represent. Our lawyers offer free consultations at our offices, which are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth. We are also ready to come to you if you cannot travel to us. We do not charge a fee in most of our premises liability cases unless we are successful in getting compensation for a client. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.