Unsafe Staircase Premises Liability
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 carpets, 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: Stairs that vary in height or width can cause individuals to trip or lose their balance, especially if they are not expecting the irregularities.
- Failure to Meet Building Codes: Non-compliance with building codes and safety regulations regarding stair design, construction materials, handrails and lighting can lead to unsafe staircases.
- Tilted Steps: Steps that are not level or are tilted can create instability and increase the risk of falls.
- Loose Boards: Loose or damaged boards on stairs can shift underfoot, causing individuals to stumble or fall.
- Loose or Ripped Carpet: Carpeting on stairs that is loose, torn or frayed can create tripping hazards and reduce traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Overly Steep Stairs: Stairs with steep inclines can be challenging to navigate, especially for individuals with mobility issues or limited visibility.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting on staircases can obscure steps, making it difficult for individuals to see where they are stepping and increasing the risk of trips and falls, especially in dimly lit or poorly maintained areas.
- Lack of or Loose Handrails: The absence of handrails or handrails that are loose, wobbly or improperly installed can deprive individuals of essential support and stability while using stairs.
- Slippery (Wet or Icy) Treads: Stairs that become wet due to spills or rain, or icy during winter conditions can significantly increase the risk of slipping and falling.
- Unmarked Steps: Steps that are not clearly marked or differentiated, such as those with inconsistent heights or hidden edges, can catch individuals off guard and lead to falls.
Is the Property Owner Responsible for Your Broken Stairs Accident?
Premises liability law requires property owners to ensure the safety of staircases for their guests and occupants. This duty extends beyond the initial construction phase and requires ongoing vigilance in maintaining stairs to a reasonable safety standard. Compliance with building codes is just the first step; property owners must also conduct regular inspections to identify any defects, damage or potential dangers that could compromise the safety of the stairs.
In premises liability, promptly addressing any identified issues is crucial. Property owners are expected to immediately act upon discovering a hazard on their stairs. This may involve warning signs to alert individuals of the danger, closing off access to the stairs until repairs can be made, or scheduling repairs as soon as possible. Ignoring or delaying necessary repairs after becoming aware of a stair defect can expose the property owner to liability in the event of an accident.
Property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable foresight and diligence in preventing foreseeable accidents related to stair safety. This includes proactively addressing known hazards or risks before they lead to injuries. Simply having knowledge of unsafe conditions on the stairs and neglecting to take corrective measures can be construed as negligence under premises liability law.
Contact Burnside Law Firm in Athens, Georgia
As an experienced personal injury lawyer in Athens, Georgia, we will help you prove premises liability for your specific case. We will also work tirelessly and strategically to recover maximum 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.
