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Donald Colvin, Esq

Stairway Accidents: More Common Than You Think

Hundreds of people trip and fall on stairs on a daily basis. Stairway accidents are such a common occurrence that thousands of claims are submitted each year by injured individuals seeking compensation for damages. Stairway trip and fall injuries can be quite severe or even catastrophic. One misstep or slip on a stairway can result in broken bones, concussion, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, spinal cord injury, back injury, hip fracture, neck injury, or internal bleeding. Anyone who becomes injured because of a stairway trip and fall should talk to a premisess liability lawyer about their incident. An experienced premisess liability attorney can provide valuable insight and counsel on how to best proceed in a stairway trip and fall case.

Many factors can contribute to a stairway accident. Some of the most common factors that can cause a stairway slip and fall are:

Wear and Tear

Torn carpeting and damaged flooring can cause a serious accident on a stairway. A person can trip over lifted or worn carpeting and fall down a flight of stairs. Something as simple as wear and tear on stairs can be hazardous, and a property owner could be held liable for neglect or failing to repair worn and torn flooring. Assessing wear and tear on a stairway that caused an accident may not always be straightforward. For this reason, it is wise to recruit the assistance of a skilled slip and fall lawyer. A slip and fall lawyer can thoroughly examine the situation to properly ascertain cause and liability.

Damaged or Defective Stairs

Stairway injuries often arise from damaged or defective stairs. If a stairway has a missing, loose, or corroded step, it can gravely injure a person. The property owner could be held liable for the unsafe condition of damaged or defective stairs. In some cases, it can be challenging to prove liability. However, a knowledgeable premisess liability lawyer can evaluate the incident and establish liability.

Building Code Violation

California and local building code authorities set strict requirements for commercial and residential properties that have stairs. Stairs have to be up to code. However, when stairs do not meet the code, such as proper height and depth and adequate stair rails, a person can become injured by tripping and falling over uneven stairs or the absence of handrails.

Slippery Surfaces

It should come as no surprise that slippery surfaces can cause terrible slip and fall accidents, especially on stairs. Property owners should always monitor outdoor stairs for icy and rainy conditions that can cause slippery surfaces. Improper care or negligence can prompt a lawsuit if someone becomes severely injured.

People who are injured in stairway accidents can file a claim or pursue legal action to recover compensatory damages. It is possible to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, ongoing medical treatment, medication, pain and suffering, and other relevant damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a stairway accident that resulted in a serious injury, it is highly advised to contact a slip and fall lawyer in Bakersfield, CA to discuss your case. A premisess liability attorney in Bakersfield, CA can ensure that you collect fair compensation for your losses and damages.

Donald Colvin, Stairway Accidents FAQs

Q) Is it common for people to get injured on stairs?

A) Yes, it is very common for people to get injured on stairs. Hundreds of people trip and fall on staircases on a daily basis. Most of these falls are not severe, but some can be extremely medically damaging. Every year, thousands of personal injury claims are filed by people who have been injured on flights of stairs or stairwells, seeking compensation for the damages done to them.

Q) What sort of damage can stairway accidents cause?

A) Accidents on stairways and sets of stairs can cause a huge range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to very severe and potentially lifelong injuries. Stairwell injuries frequently cause concussions, bone breaks, dislocations, ligament tears, back and spinal injuries, and traumatic head injuries. If you have been injured in a stairwell accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorney will be able to assess your case and see if you may be eligible for compensation.

Q) What causes stairway accidents?

A) Stairway accidents can be caused by many different factors. There are a few factors that are especially common. These include:

Wear and Tear: Stairways tend to get used quite a bit, and are usually not maintained very well. This can lead to wear and tear showing on the stairs after a period of time. Wear and tear might entail torn carpeting or damaged flooring, which can easily cause accidents by causing people to lose their footing. For instance, a person could easily trip over a piece of loose carpeting or a skewed floorboard and tumble down the stairs, injuring themselves in the process.
Building Code Violations: The State of California and each individual California county has building codes to prevent safety issues. These codes specify specific heights and depths and mandate stair rails in certain circumstances. However, some stairs are built in a way—or have been damaged in a way—that violates those building codes. These violations can easily cause the sort of injuries the codes are there to prevent.
Slippery Surfaces: If a set of stairs are outdoors, or have been subject to a spill or a leak, the surface of the stairs can easily become wet, slick, and slippery. This can cause people to trip and fall, often all the way down the stairs.

Q) Are the owners of commercial and residential properties responsible for maintaining the stairs and preventing injuries? Can I claim a personal injury suit against them if I am injured on their stairs?

A) Yes, the owners or managers of properties with stairs are responsible for keeping those stairs safe. If you were injured as a result of their negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assess your case and let you know if you have a viable personal injury suit.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a stairwell accident, or any other trip and fall accident, and want to file a personal injury lawsuit in Bakersfield, California? If so Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney Donald Colvin is here to help. Attorney Colvin knows how devastating a personal injury can be, whether it’s a stairwell injury, a slip and fall, or any other personal injury. He has years of experience with California personal injury cases, and has helped hundreds of clients seek their rightful personal injury settlements. Don’t wait. Call (661) 616-1177 for a personalized consultation today.