Staircase Fall Accident
Why Are Stair Falls So Dangerous?
Stairways should always be used with caution. Falling down a flight of stairs can cause serious injuries, often leading to severe pain or permanent disability. More than one million Americans are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries resulting from stairway falls every year according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Many stairway accidents are caused by objects left in stairwells or stairways that are poorly maintained. If you have been injured in a Phoenix stairway fall due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to get compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills and other expenses related to your accident. Call a Phoenix premises liability lawyer at The Husband & Wife Law Team today for a FREE case evaluation to learn more.
Many people use stairs on a daily basis, so it’s essential that they are properly maintained to be as safe as possible. Tumbling down a flight of stairs can be extremely dangerous. The following types of injuries frequently result when a person falls down a stairway:
Soft tissue injuries
Permanent disability
What Causes People to Fall on Stairs?
Walking up and down stairs is a common activity for most people. Stairs can be found in many homes, apartment complexes, and businesses. Stairways must be free of objects and well maintained to prevent accidents. The following types of unsafe conditions frequently result in hazardous falls:
Loose, broken, or missing steps. Improper maintenance can cause people lose their balance because they are putting all their wight on a surface that isn’t able to support them.
Defective handrails. It’s essential to hold on to the handrail to maintain your balance when using stairs. That’s why building codes require stairways to have handrails. When handrails are missing or loose, people lack the support they need to safely walk up and down a stairway.
Random objects left near or on a stairway can cause a person to trip.
Poor lighting. Using high-powered LED bulbs is the safest way to adequately light a stairwell and help prevent falls.
Slippery surfaces. In wintertime, outdoor stairways can be covered with snow or ice that must be promptly removed. Spilled liquids and unmarked wet floors that have just been mopped are also a hazard.
Uneven height and depth. Inconsistent tread depths and riser heights may cause dangerous missteps.
Damaged or uneven carpet. Rips, holes, and lumps in carpeting can cause a user to lose their footing.
Getting Compensation for Phoenix Stair Fall Injuries
A staircase fall is a type of premise liability accident. To recover compensation that will cover the cost of your injuries, your personal injury lawyer will investigate your accident and file a claim against the negligent party.
Stairs are used by people on a daily basis, and whoever is responsible for maintaining the property is expected to use reasonable care to make sure they are safe. This will usually be the homeowner or the property owner of an apartment building or any types of business establishment. Someone who works for a business such as a manager or maintenance worker may also be held liable for the negligence that caused your fall in addition to the business owner.
Staircase Fall Injury Lawyers on Your Side
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a slip and fall stairway accident caused by another person’s negligence, your premises liability attorney can fight to get you a fair settlement that will take care of your medical bills and help you get your life back together. Call The Husband & Wife Law Team today to get your FREE consultation. We’re here to help.