Falling down the stairs is something that many people find inherently embarrassing. While some people can walk away with nothing more than damaged pride, others are not as lucky. Unfortunately, falling down the stairs due to inherent issues with how the stairs are built can lead to a number of serious injuries that require medical care. In some instances, these incidents can be fatal, with nearly 12,000 people succumbing to their injuries annually. As such, if you are injured because of unsafe stairs, the following blog explores what you should know about your legal options and how personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania can assist you through these matters.
What makes stairs unsafe?
Even though stairs are a standard fixture in most residential and commercial buildings, it’s important to understand that stairs can be unsafe when they are not constructed or maintained properly. Generally, stairs can be considered unsafe due to several defects, with maintenance issues like missing or broken handrails, broken treads, and lack of adequate lighting proving to be the most common.
However, maintenance issues are not the only cause of injury. In some instances, you’ll find that if the construction company or contractor responsible for building the stairs fails to adhere to the building code, such as ensuring the tread is wide enough or the stairs are not too steep, it can lead to injuries.
What injuries are the result of unsafe stairs?
Unfortunately, the injuries that falling down the stairs can cause are often very serious. When someone falls down a set of stairs, the nature of the fixture results in multiple points of impact, resulting in a final hit. As such, there is an increased risk of serious injury. The following injuries can occur when someone falls down a set of unsafe stairs:
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Soft tissue injury
- Neck and spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and cuts
- Internal bleeding
Who can I seek compensation from?
There are several factors that will influence who is ultimately responsible for the damages sustained by someone who falls down a set of unsafe stairs. Generally, you’ll find that the property owner can be held liable, whether they are your landlord, the municipality responsible for maintaining outdoor stairs in a public park, or the management company that owns the shopping mall where you were injured. This is because they are responsible for ensuring the premises are safe and the stairs are well maintained.
In other instances, like if you were to fall down your stairs at home, you’ll find that the contractor or construction company responsible for building the stairs can face liability if they did not adhere to local building codes or were negligent in the construction of the stairs.
Unfortunately, you’ll find that for many, the process of recovering compensation after sustaining a serious injury caused by falling down unsafe stairs can be overwhelming. Trying to navigate a legal battle while healing from the injuries sustained can be very difficult, leaving many prone to errors that can invalidate the outcome of their claim. As such, working with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve is critical.
At Friedman Schuman Layser, we understand the complexities of these matters, which is why we will do everything in our power to assist you. Connect with us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can fight for you.
