For many, falling down the stairs can be incredibly embarrassing. However, walking away with nothing more than a bruised ego can be lucky in these instances. If you fall down unsafe stairs and sustain serious injuries, it’s important to understand what your legal options in these matters are. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their rights and therefore do not know they can pursue legal action for the damages they’ve sustained. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these complicated matters and how a Monroe, Louisiana slip & fall lawyer can help you fight for compensation.
What Makes Stairs Unsafe?
Unfortunately, many are unaware of just how dangerous stairs can be. Though slipping down the stairs may not seem like a serious accident, nearly 12,000 fatalities annually are attributed to staircase accidents. As such, understanding the hazards associated with these fixtures is imperative.
The following are all hazards that can contribute to a slip and fall down the stairs:
- Treads that are not wide enough
- Stairs that are too narrow
- Risers that are too high
- Missing or broken handrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Debris left on the stairs
- Faulty construction materials
As you can see, there are several hazards that can result in someone slipping and falling down a staircase. It’s important to understand that stairs must be built up to code to ensure they are safe. Failure to construct or maintain safe stairs can result in injuries not limited to broken bones, Traumatic Brain Injuries, neck and spinal cord damage, lacerations, and soft tissue damage.
Who Can Face Liability?
Responsibility for damages caused by unsafe stairs will depend on several important factors. Generally, the first thing to consider is the nature of the accident. If you are injured because of cords or trash left on the stairs, the property owner will generally be held liable. For example, if this occurs in your apartment building, your landlord can face responsibility as they must ensure the premises are safe for their tenants.
However, if the injury occurs as a result of stairs that are not constructed properly, liability can fall on both the property owner and the contractor responsible for constructing the stairs. The contractor must ensure the safety of the fixture and that it is up to local ordinances, while the property owner must ensure it is safe for guests to use.
As you can see, there are many important considerations you’ll need to make if you’ve sustained injuries as a result of unsafe stairs. Unfortunately, however, you’ll find that navigating a lawsuit against the negligent party while healing from a personal injury can be incredibly overwhelming. Luckily, the team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson will do everything possible to help you navigate these matters. When you are hurt, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.
