Severe Injuries and Losses
The 60-unit apartment complex where the stairway collapse occurred is owned by a New York-based builder. Two other people had reportedly fallen from separate rusty steps in different parts of the same apartment complex before the plaintiff (victim) in this case fell. The property owner only fixed the stairs in question, as opposed to all of the other rusted stairs in the complex, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer.
The plaintiff was slated to start work as an emergency medical technician, but wasn’t able to work due to his injuries, his attorney said. He still has difficulty walking, with overhead movement of his left arm and with lifting. He was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spent about $72,000 in medical treatment, his lawyer said. The money was paid through the property owner’s insurance company, Law.com reported.
What Causes Stairway Accidents?
While stairway accidents may occur due to collapses, they may also involve dangerous conditions that may cause a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident. Looking into what caused the stairway accident is crucial when it comes to building a basis for a personal injury or premises liability claim.
There are a number of reasons why stairway accidents happen. For example, when wooden steps rot, they may give way under a person’s weight and cause him or her to take a fall. Stairs that are uneven may also cause a trip-and-fall accident. Slippery stairs, particularly those that are covered in snow or ice, may lead to devastating slip-and-fall accidents resulting in broken bones, head trauma and other types of injuries.
When there is inadequate lighting in stairways, it may become difficult to see the steps or spot any unevenness or defects in them. Broken stairs or design defects such as a stairway where the stairs are too shallow or too steep, can cause a person to trip or stumble. Debris on stairways may also result in trip-and-fall accidents. Broken railings that may give way when you lean on them or hold them for support may also result in a serious fall. Missing railings on stairs may also be grounds for a lawsuit.
Premises Liability Issues
Property owners and/or property managers have a responsibility and a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a manner that is safe for tenants, residents, guests and visitors to the property. When a dangerous condition causes injury or harm, the injured victim may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner, property manager or other parties involved. Whether a stairway accident occurs as a result of a design flaw or lack of maintenance, the property owner and/or property manager may be held liable for the victim’s injuries, damages or losses.
These types of accidents have the potential to result in serious injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, multiple bone fractures, internal injuries, sprains and strains, etc. Some of these injuries may also lead to permanent disabilities that may leave victims unable to return to their jobs and earn a livelihood as a consequence of the accident.
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.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://www.law.com/ctlawtribune/sites/ctlawtribune/2018/02/09/man-injured-by-collapse-of-rusted-steps-reaches-375k-settlement/?slreturn=20180113115502
