On April 19, 2019, during a pre-wedding party on Langley's Amaroo Estate, roughly 18 people were injured and sent to hospital when a deck collapsed as party-goers gathered
on the deck to take photos. Since the incident, at least 35 lawsuits have been filed
relating to alleged injuries sustained which include broken bones, brain injuries, chronic
pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries.
In early October 2023, the B.C. government threw its hat into the ring and filed its own
lawsuit seeking reimbursement for the health-care costs of everyone who was hurt, from a number of defendants including Amaroo Estate where the party took place, the father of the bride who hosted the celebration, the company that designed the home, the construction company that built it and the building inspectors who approved it.
Among other things, the B.C. government's lawsuit alleges negligence in the deck's
design, engineering, construction, repairs and inspection and it claims Amaroo Estate failed to make sure the deck was safe for guests.
THE TAKE AWAY
If you are thinking of hosting a social gathering, be wary that you owe a duty of care to
your guests and can be liable for injuries that occur to those guests, both under the
common law of negligence and B.C.’s Occupiers Liability Act. Care should be taken to
inform yourself of the risks and to mitigate risks or hazards to your guests.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (604) 736 9791 or email Kimberly Thauli
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to serve as, or should be construed as legal
advice, and is only to provide general information. Should you require legal advice for
your particular situation, please get in touch with us. The information for this article was
compiled on November 2, 2023. Any updates made to the article can be found at
dwslaw.ca/articles.