It is not uncommon for fall injuries to involve a set of stairs. While some falls can only be blamed on the carelessness of the person injured, other accidents may be the responsibility of the staircase owner. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord or business owner, you have a legal duty to ensure your stairs are a reasonably safe place for occupants to travel up and down. Too often, staircases are neglected, and their longevity is taken for granted. This can lead to loose boards, snagged carpet and other stair defects that can cause someone to fall, be seriously harmed or even die.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a staircase accident in Athens, it is important that you consider your eligibility for a premises liability claim. By seeking the experience and skill set of our personal injury lawyer, we can help you determine if you have a claim against the property owner. While some compensation may be obtained from insurance, it may not be enough to cover your losses, or the insurance policy in place may not be applicable. These are situations in which a knowledgeable attorney can be critical to the success of your outcome.
Common Staircase Defects
Stair accidents can be complex. Stairs must be built under strict regulations to deem them safe and usable. Like other building structures, stairs can become damaged or deteriorate over time. Depending on the number of stairs and the severity of the stair defect, a fall can lead to both minor and major injuries. At Burnside Law Firm, we accept premises liability cases involving the following types of stair defects:
- Uneven stair heights and widths
- Failure to meet building codes
- Tilted steps
- Loose boards
- Loose or ripped carpet
- Overly steep stairs
- Poor lighting
- Lack of or loose hand rails
- Slippery (wet or icy) treads
- Unmarked steps
Is the Property Owner Responsible for Your Broken Stairs Accident?
Under premises liability law, property owners are required to maintain reasonably safe stairs for guests. This not only involves having the stairs constructed under proper building codes but also inspecting the stairs routinely for defects, damage or other potential dangers. If an area of concern is detected, it is the owner’s responsibility to put out a hazard sign, close the stairs or repair it immediately. Failing to repair a stair defect in a timely manner or having knowledge that the stairs were unsafe and doing nothing about it, can render the property owner liable for any injuries incurred from a stair accident.
As an experienced personal injury lawyer in Athens, we will help you prove premises liability for your specific case. We will also work tirelessly and strategically to recover a maximum amount of compensation for your losses. Depending on your case, this may include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, disability and more. If you believe your injury is from defective, broken or unmarked stairs that the property owner neglected to address, please contact our skilled legal team in Athens today.
