When Negligence Causes Stairway Accidents

 Posted on September 23, 2021 in Catastrophic Injuries

The owner or manager of a building that includes a stairway has a duty to maintain that stairway in a safe condition. When they fail, very serious accidents can occur. Life-altering harm like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries can occur when a person falls down the stairs. In some tragic cases, stairway accidents can even be fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured on an unsafe stairway, a lawyer may be able to recover compensation. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a stairway accident. 

What is Considered a Dangerous Condition on a Stairway? 

A number of conditions can render a stairway unsafe, and the premises owner is responsible for making sure these conditions do not exist. The premises owner may be found negligent and ordered to compensate the injured parties if any of the following dangerous conditions exist: 

• Low Lighting - If a person using the stairway cannot see very well, they are at a higher risk of tripping or falling and getting hurt. Stairways must be kept well-lit. 

• Slippery Surface - Even carpeted stairs can become slippery if the surface becomes worn. Slippery carpeting is especially dangerous because people using the stairs typically do not expect to slip on a carpeted surface. 

• Loose Steps - A loose step is a tripping hazard. This can also apply to loose carpeting that bunches up and causes someone to trip. “Falling up the stairs” is a common result of this type of danger. 

• Uneven Steps - Steps must be uniform, meaning that they must all be the same width and height. Uneven steps can injure a person who trips, misses a too-narrow step, or loses their balance trying to negotiate uneven stairs. 

• Loose or Missing Handrail - All staircases must have a sturdy handrail to help users avoid injury. In some cases, a handrail may come off the wall or break when a user tries to steady themself, causing a fall. 

• Outdoor Stairway Dangers - Accidents that involve slipping are common on outdoor staircases, especially when it rains or snows. While a certain amount of water or ice collecting on the stairs is unavoidable (and not negligent), outdoor staircases should be built from a non-slippery surface. Some other conditions on outdoor staircases, such as slanted steps that encourage water or ice buildup, may be considered negligent on the part of the premises owner. 

Call a Dallas Catastrophic Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death on a dangerous staircase, it is important to reach out to a Carrollton Catastrophic Injury Attorney as soon as possible. After a serious accident, the premises owner may try to remedy the dangerous condition very quickly to avoid liability. It is critical that the danger is documented before any repairs can be made in order to prove your case and hold the negligent premises owner responsible. The team at Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. is ready to help you recover all compensation you may be entitled to. Call 214-221-5800 for a free consultation.

Sources: 

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ab/2012abtas5.htm