Stairways often tend to be the place where a number of slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents occur. Falls down stairways cause hundreds if not thousands of serious personal injuries each year. When it comes to stairs and stairways, there are certain key differences in design and maintenance that makes them potentially unsafe. If you injure yourself falling down a flight of stairs, you may have a personal injury claim against the building’s owner and/or manager.
Factors That Make Stairs Hazardous
There are a number of safety features, design characteristics and maintenance issues that make stairs dangerous on any property.
Condition of the stairway: One important question to ask is whether the stairway 
is in bad shape. A number of stairways are in some state of disrepair. Often times, loose edges and broken materials make stairways unsafe. If stairs are carpeted, the carpet must be properly secured to the stair structure. Otherwise, even a small portion of the unsecured carpet may cause a fall. If the stairway structure is unstable, small movements under the weight of the person using the stairs can cause the person to lose balance and fall.
Stairway design: The height, length and depth of each step must be designed correctly in order to prevent falls. Stair surfaces must have sufficient traction to prevent slipping. The rise between individual steps must be within normal limits of 4 to 7 inches. Any variations may present an injury hazard because users’ minds automatically adapt to how the steps are built. If that changes or varies, it has the potential to take the user by surprise.
Stair markings: People using stairways must be able to see where the steps begin and end. Stairways require proper contrast or markings that serve as visual cues to those using the stairs. For example, patterned carpeting that obscures the edges of steps can be unsafe because they may lead to falls.
Handrails: It is important to remember that handrails on stairways serve a number of functions. They help users maintain their balance while going up or down the stairs. They serve as a pivot point for users when negotiating a turn or curve in the stairway. Handrails also serve as a grab bar to minimize injuries should the user lose his or her balance. Handrails must be continuous, smooth and firmly secured to the wall. On wider stairways, handrails should be available on both sides.
Obstacles: If the area around the stairway is not clear, the potential for more serious falls and injuries increases. Guardrails around the stairway must be adequate to prevent from falling into the stairwell. Stairs cannot be allowed to serve as storage areas. For example, stair risers should not be used as additional shelving.
Spills and debris on stairs: When liquids are spilled on stairs and are not cleaned up in time, they may pose significant slip-and-fall hazards. Leaving items or debris on stairs may also pose trip-and-fall hazards. Stairs should always be clear of spills and debris in order to prevent people from slipping or tripping.
Lighting issues: Lack of adequate lighting may cause people to miss a step or fall down a flight of stairs as well. Stairways should always be well-lit. Broken lights should be fixed or replaced right away.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you were involved in a slip-and-fall or a trip-and-fall accident as a result of someone else’s negligence (carelessness), please remember that you have rights. The experienced New York personal injury attorneys with 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.
For over 49 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims. Some of the damages that victims of such accidents can claim include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, past and future pain and suffering, permanent injury, etc.
Our law firm recovered $1,700,000 for a woman who slipped and fell and received no hospital or medical treatment for one month after the accident. Our law firm also recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
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 and medical malpractice 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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