Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents are a common occurrence – be it at home, in the workplace or on public or private property that are most commonly visited such as shops, restaurants, hospitals, etc. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls are the second greatest cause of fatalities in the workplace, following auto accidents. The NSC recently noted that more than 1 million people in the United States are injured or killed each year as a result of stairway accidents. Property owners and/or property managers can be held liable for stairway-related accidents just as they would be held liable for slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents on their premises.
Common Causes of Stair Accidents
There are a number of reasons why people slip and fall or trip and fall down the stairs. While these incidents can be simply called “accidents,” a closer look at the incident often reveals more about why the victim took a fall. Here are some of the most common causes of stairway accidents our New York slip and fall lawyers have seen:
Slippery surfaces: This is one of the most often cited reasons why people slip and fall on stairways. Sometimes, liquids spilled on stairs and not mopped up right away may cause individuals to lose their footing on stairs. However, there are situations where the material from which the stairs are made may have an impact on how much grip they offer to the people who tread on them. For example, stairs that are made of highly polished wood or tile tend to be much more slippery than those made of stone, painted woods or carpet. So, choice of material can be critical when it comes to preventing these types of stairway accidents.
Uneven stair height or depth: New York City’s building codes clearly state the maximum variance that needs to be observed when stairs are built. Following these standards can be important when it comes to avoiding stairway accidents. If the stair height or depth is off or uneven, individuals are likely to trip and fall. This is because we expect each stair to be the same height and depth as we use them. Any difference in height or depth may cause a person to lose his or her balance and take a fall.
Lack of handrails: When it comes to preventing stairway falls, handrails play a very important role. Handrails are important because they provide not just balance but also stability to those who are using the stairs. If you fall on stairs that did not have handrails or had handrails that weren’t properly installed or maintained, the property owner and/or manager can be held liable for your injuries, damages and losses.
Wet stairs: When exposed to the elements, an outdoor stairway can pose much more danger to pedestrians in terms of a slip and fall accident. When a stairway is wet due to rain, the surface may get extremely slick. When a stairway is covered in snow or ice, it may become extremely slippery too. It is the responsibility of property owners and/or property managers to clear stairways of water, ice and debris within a reasonable amount of time, or at the very least, warn pedestrians about the dangerous condition.
Lack of maintenance: Poorly-maintained stairways always pose a tremendous danger to pedestrians. For example, when wooden stairs are rotting and are not repaired or replaced, they pose the risk of collapsing and seriously injuring people. Cracked or broken stairs should also be promptly fixed. Carpeted stairs require regular maintenance as well. For example, worn out carpeting or carpets with holes that cover stairs may cause serious trip and fall accidents.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of these types of accidents may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the negligent property owners and managing agents etc. seeking compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of negligence on the part of property owners and/or property managers etc., the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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