Stairways present a particular hazard for people because they can trip on a stairway on their own. They can also miss a step, taking a tumble down the stairs. Falling in a stairwell frequently involves falling from a greater distance, but it can also lead to multiple impacts on hard surfaces. No wonder these falls have a high risk of injuries and death.
Sometimes, property owner negligence contributes to or causes stairwell accidents in Bakersfield. In these cases, the owner may be liable for your injuries because they are responsible for keeping their property free from hazards, including keeping stairwells safe. A dedicated slip and fall attorney could help you learn more about your potential remedies after an accident.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their buildings free from hazards. However, they are not always the ones responsible for dangerous conditions. Sometimes, a defect in the stairs leads to the accident. In those cases, a victim may have a claim against the manufacturer or the contractor or construction company that installed the stairs.
When a third party is responsible for the stairway’s defect, recovery is under a different theory than general premises liability—it is defective products. For victims, the difference in the approach does not make a difference. Still, it will change how a Bakersfield attorney focuses on the stair accident claim.
Slippery surfaces are a leading cause of falls on stairs. Water or ice on the stairs can make them slippery. Even if a new surface is not slippery, as people use the stairs, they can get worn down. The effect is much like sanding down the stairs, smoothing it away. Older stairs, especially wooden stairs, can be incredibly smooth.
Property owners may deal with wear and tear by adding runners to the stairs. Runners provide traction, making slipping less likely. However, runners—and carpet—can get loose or frayed, leading to people tripping. All it takes is a tiny stumble to lead to a massive accident.
Bad lighting contributes to a number of stairwell accidents. People need to be able to see the stairs to navigate them safely. Lighting can be a design issue based on where the lights are located or a maintenance issue because the lights need replacement or repair.
Handrails are another issue. Safe stairwells should have handrails on at least one side. If they are missing or defective, it can be more difficult for people to navigate the stairs. A handrail provides a backup safety system in case someone slips or trips. Still, if it is missing or defective, there is no backup safety system.
Surprisingly, clutter is one of the leading causes of Bakersfield stairwell accidents. Property owners may leave things on the stairway, blocking it. When people try to navigate over these obstructions, they can easily trip, miss a step, or fall.
Even in the best-case scenario, a fall down the stairs can result in a person getting bumps, bruises, and pain. In other scenarios, the injuries can be severe. The longer the fall, the greater the chance of significant injuries—the victim may hit several steps and pick up speed as they fall down stairs.
As with all falls, there is a risk of spine, neck, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anytime a person hits their head, there is a risk of TBI. With a fall down the stairs, a victim may hit their head, neck, or back multiple times, increasing the risk of TBIs and spine injuries. A TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild injuries may resolve on their own. Moderate or severe injuries can lead to permanent damage, disabilities, or even death.
Accidents on stairwells can also lead to other injuries for Bakersfield residents. Sprains, strains, broken bones, and internal injuries are all possible. Every impact increases the risk of injuries. Anyone who falls down the stairs should get medical care, even if they do not think they have any injuries.
Recovering from a stairwell accident can be challenging. The injuries may be painful, prevent you from working, and interfere with your daily life. If negligence or a defective product contributed to the accident, it is only fair that the responsible party pay for it. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about stairwell accidents in Bakersfield.
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