If you’re like most people, you don’t think twice before climbing up or down a set of stairs, as these are common fixtures in most commercial and residential buildings. However, the last thing you may expect is to end up lying at the bottom of the stairs with serious injuries. If this represents your circumstances, understanding how you can fight for the compensation you deserve is critical. The following blog explores how Baltimore County slip and fall attorneys can assist you in these matters.
What Makes Stairs Unsafe?
Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can make stairs inherently unsafe. Generally, you’ll find that the following can lead to injuries:
- Stairs with treads that are too narrow
- Stairs that are too steep
- Stairs that are not wide enough
- Risers that are too high
- Missing or broken handrails
- Missing or broken treads
- Stairs that are inadequately or poorly built
- Inadequate lighting
- Stairs that are slippery
It’s important to understand that local building codes must be adhered to when installing or updating stairs to ensure the safety of those who will traverse them. Additionally, maintaining and ensuring stairwells and cases are safe for visitors is critical to preventing injuries.
Unfortunately, those who encounter the aforementioned hazards can sustain several injuries should they slip and fall as a result of the dangerous conditions. Falls down the stairs can be incredibly dangerous due to the number of impacts the victim will sustain. As a result, someone who falls down the stairs may sustain broken bones, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and spinal cord injuries. It’s also imperative to understand that around 12,000 people are involved in fatal injuries involving stairs, making these matters incredibly serious.
Who Can Face Liability for My Injuries?
If you have sustained injuries due to an unsafe stairwell, it’s important to understand who can face liability for the damages you’ve incurred. Generally, you’ll find that liability will depend on the circumstances of your accident.
For example, if the stairs in your home are not up to code and that is why you are injured, you can file a claim with the contractor or construction company responsible for building the fixture. It is their job as builders to ensure they adhere to the local codes and prevent dangerous conditions in your home.
However, if you are injured in another location, like an apartment building, shopping mall, or parking garage, the builder and property manager can face liability if the stairs are inherently unsafe due to their construction. However, if it’s a matter of poor maintenance, like failing to fix a broken handrail in a timely manner, the property owner will face liability.
When you are injured due to the negligent actions of another party, understanding your legal options is critical. Unfortunately, many assume the slip and fall was their fault, leaving them to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence. As such, if you slip and fall down the stairs, contact an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. Our team can examine the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action. Additionally, we can help represent you in fighting for the compensation you deserve if it’s deemed that the other party is liable. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.
