Types Of Building Code Violations That Can Lead To Injuries

Building code violations can be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious injury. In some cases, property owners may be held liable for these violations and the resulting injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property due to suspected building code violations, do not hesitate to contact Emerald Law Group for legal guidance. Our Seattle defective building and stairs lawyers can help you hold property owners and other liable parties accountable for injuries that result from their negligence or carelessness.

Building Code Violations That Can Result in Injuries

In Seattle and other parts of King County, complaints regarding building code violations are handled by the Code Enforcement Section, according to the official website of the King County Government.

Let’s discuss the common types of building code violations that may result in injuries.

Defects in the Structure of the Building

Structural defects refer to deficiencies in a structure’s physical design or construction that make it unsafe for use. This could include anything from faulty foundations to unstable walls or ceilings. It is essential that property owners regularly inspect their buildings for any signs of structural damage and take steps to repair any issues before they lead to injury. If the property owner neglects their responsibility, they could be held liable for any injuries caused due to structural defects.

Crumbling/Leaking Ceilings

Ceiling collapses are one of the most common causes of injury in buildings with code violations. Property owners who fail to maintain their ceilings or take action when there are signs of water damage can be held responsible if someone gets injured due to a collapsing ceiling. Property owners have an obligation to inspect their ceilings regularly and repair any water damage as soon as possible so that they do not risk being held liable for an accident.

Broken/Missing Handrails on Stairs

Staircases without proper handrails can cause falls and other serious injuries. Property owners must ensure that their staircases have functional handrails at all times. Otherwise, they may face liability if someone gets injured because of it. Additionally, broken or missing handrails pose an additional risk as people may try to grab onto them but find that they are missing or broken, leading them to fall down the stairs and sustain an injury as a result.

Uneven Steps

Uneven steps can also cause slips, trips, and falls which can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or even death in extreme cases. Property owners must ensure that all steps on staircases comply with building codes so that accidents do not occur due to uneven steps or other hazards which could have been avoided by following safety regulations.

Defective Wiring

Defective wiring is another common issue that can lead to fires and electrical shocks if left unresolved. Property owners must ensure that all wiring within their premises complies with safety regulations in order to avoid potential accidents due to faulty wiring systems. If a fire does break out due to defective wiring, then the property owner may be liable for any resulting damages or injuries caused by it.

Defective Balconies/Railings

Balconies need regular maintenance in order to prevent potential accidents caused by railings becoming loose or defective over time. These defects could result in someone falling off the balcony or sustaining an injury while trying not to fall off it. Property owners should inspect balconies regularly in order to avoid any potential liability from occurring if someone gets injured because of negligent maintenance practices.

Get the Legal Guidance You Can Trust

Building code violations are serious matters that should not be taken lightly. If you find yourself suffering from an injury due to a building code violation, you may want to consider seeking legal help to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.

Our experienced lawyers at Emerald Law Group can help you understand your legal options if you were injured on someone else’s property due to building code violations. Call 206-826-5160 to request a free consultation.

Source:

kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/permits/code-enforcement.aspx