Most deck, porch, and railing collapse cases
involve legal
theories of negligence, premises liability, product liability, and construction law.
Attorneys for both plaintiffs and defendants will find comprehensive coverage
of such matters as: the advantages and disadvantages
of suits based on strict liability,
negligence and breach
of warranty; the use
of state consumer protection statutes; the duty to warn and its innumerable ramifications; the liability
of the manufacturers, retailers and other potential defendants in the distribution chain; successor liability; federal preemption
of common law claims; monitoring product safety during design, manufacturing and distribution; causation
theories in actions
involving multiple manufacturers; product misuse and alteration; the elements
of proof needed in an action; recovery for economic loss; punitive damages; and the government contractor defense.