Though you may not consider it, stairs are unfortunately a leading cause of injuries in the United States. While most people have taken a tumble down a few steps before, in many instances, this can unfortunately lead to serious injuries. As such, understanding how these injuries occur and who can face liability for the damages you’ve sustained from unsafe stairs is critical. This blog and a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer can assist you in exploring your legal options.
What Can Make Stairs Unsafe?
While a slip and fall down the stairs may not seem like a big deal, the National Floor Safety Institute estimates that 7 million injuries each year can be attributed to slips and falls down stairs, making these matters incredibly serious. As such, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with these injuries so you can take the necessary steps to mitigate damages and protect yourself.
In general, one of the most common issues that can render stairs unsafe is missing or defective handrails. Many people need handrails for additional stability and support when traversing stairs, especially older individuals and young children. Additionally, if there is inadequate lighting, handrails can help serve as guides to help people safely traverse the stairs. As such, if handrails are missing, broken, or otherwise ineffective, it can lead to slips and falls down the stairs.
Another common issue is with the structure of the stairs. If the stairs are not built to code, such as being too steep, having narrow treads, or the treads themselves are cracked or missing, it can result in a slip and fall down the stairs in which the victim can sustain serious injuries.
Who Can Face Liability?
Determining liability for stair slips and falls can be tricky. In general, responsibility will fall on the property owner, as it is ultimately their job to ensure the premises are safe. As such, if the property owner knew the stairs were unsafe, such as missing a handrail or being littered with debris, it is their duty to take the necessary steps to remedy the hazard.
You should also understand that the type of property where the injury occurred, as well as your status as a guest, can influence the outcome of your case. Premises liability, in part, is determined by the duty of care owed to an individual. For example, you’ll find that invitees, like guests in a store, are owed the highest duty of care. As such, the property owner is responsible for ensuring that the premises are safe through regular inspections and remedying of hazards. Licensees, on the other hand, are owed less care. This means they are responsible for warning licensees, who include social guests, of hazards and avoiding misconduct that could cause an injury. As such, if you are visiting a friend, they must warn you of the potential for a slip and fall from a broken handrail.
If you have sustained an injury as a result of unsafe stairs in Texas, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options. At the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, our team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
