Boston College Students Sustained Serious Injuries During Social Gathering at an Off-Campus House After the Deck Collapsed
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (April 2026) – Two Boston College students were hospitalized after falling roughly 15 feet when a deck railing collapsed at an off-campus house along Undine Road.
Boston police officials say the incident occurred around 5:43 PM on Friday, March 13. The students were at a social gathering when a poorly maintained deck railing failed. The railing sent them tumbling to the ground below. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the accident scene to help all the victims.
Both students were transported to local area hospitals to receive treatment for injuries to their heads, neck, and back. Investigators said the nails intended to secure the railing were noticeably short and heavily corroded. Moreover, paint was concealing the extent of the deterioration of the deck railing. A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Boston Deck Collapse Accidents
Property owners in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This requires them to abide by all fire and building codes. They must also routinely inspect their premises and perform needed maintenance on key structures. There are many ways that a property owner may have failed to adequately protect against a deck collapse.
- Ledger Board: A property owner may have used improper ledger board attachments, which are one of the most common causes of deck collapses.
- Fasteners: Property owners may have used the wrong fasteners. This could include using nails instead of lag bolts.
- Code Violations: A property owner may have failed to meet local building code load requirements. Decks should be able to safely hold a certain weight without buckling or collapsing.
- Construction: A property owner may have used inadequate support for the post or beams on the deck.
When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. If a property owner fails to remedy a dangerous condition on their premises, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Liability for a deck collapse could extend beyond just a property owner. It may also extend to a residential management company responsible for the upkeep of the home.
Steps to Take After Boston Deck Collapse Accidents
Deck collapses may seem like a freak occurrence. But many people are injured in these accidents each year. According to the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, “Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of the people on a deck were injured or killed when it collapsed.” Certain actions should be taken after any type of deck collapse in Boston.
- Victims should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even seemingly minor injuries can turn out to be much more serious.
- All of the physical evidence associated with the accident should be preserved. It can help reveal what failures may have contributed to the deck collapse.
- Maintenance records for the property where the accident occurred should be obtained. This is particularly important if the accident occurred in any type of apartment or student housing.
- Any person injured in a deck collapse should carefully consider their legal options with an experienced Boston premises liability lawyer. An attorney can help identify all liable parties and hold them accountable through a civil action.
Any type of deck collapse can leave a person with serious and lasting injuries. In particular, falls remain one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. These can impact a person’s life for decades to come. Victims of deck collapse accidents may be able to pursue damages through a personal injury claim.
Investigating Boston Deck Collapse Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the Boston College students injured in this deck collapse. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the investigators. There needs to be full accountability for what happened. This was a preventable incident that should never have taken place. Many different questions remain unanswered. When was the last time this deck was inspected? Was it part of the original structure? Who was responsible for building it?
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Boston deck collapse? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced Boston personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.