Injuries From Stairway Falls

We take them every day, and think nothing of them. However for some people, a fall on a stairway or stairwell may represent a life-threatening injury – especially for senior citizens. Business and property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their stairways are safe and reasonably guarded against somebody taking a nasty fall, which could result in serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one was injured after falling down a stairwell, and you believe the incident could have been prevented, contact an experienced legal representative from Altman & Altman LLP today.

According to the National Safety Council, stairways cause about a million injuries every year and are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for senior citizens, who are far more likely to sustain broken bones and serious repercussions from a fall down a flight of stairs. However children are also at a high risk for being seriously injured by falling down stairs as well.

Falling down stairs can result in seriously bodily harm, including:

• Broken bones or deep bone contusions
• Deep lacerations and internal bleeding
• Brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal injuries or partial/full paralysis
• Dislocated hips or other joints

These injuries can happen quickly and it only takes one misstep for them to occur. At a place of business, one wet spot at the top of the stairs is all that may be necessary to send someone tumbling down a flight of stairs, forever impacting their life. Perhaps a hand railing malfunctions, sending someone off balance and resulting in a fall. These are both situations where a property owner or manager may be liable for a resulting injury, as they have a responsibility to provide safe access to their space under premises liability law.

When possible, ADA-style ramps with a slow, gradual incline should be available to those who may be less physically able. In the instance a ramp is not possible, sturdy hand railings with slip-free rubber or synthetic surfaces on the stairs can help prevent these accidents from occurring, and their absence may leave the property or business owner liable for any injuries which result.

Proving Negligence in Stairway Falls

To emerge successful in a claim for damages as the result of a fall down a stairway, you must be able to show that a business or property owner was negligent in upholding their responsibility to maintain a safe premises for their customers or visitors. If a stairway was riddled with clutter or other debris, had broken steps or a deteriorating handrail, these factors may be used to prove negligence in the event a fall occurs.

Property owners and business managers should always post notice in the event that a staircase is particularly treacherous, and they should salt or sand exterior stairways which may become icy or slick after rainstorms or snowy winter weather. Failing to do so may leave them liable.

As with any claim for damages, it is essential to enlist the help of a professional personal injury attorney who can assess your specific situation and provide the best guidance to assist you as you file your claim. The Boston-based attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have over 50 years of experience doing just that, and we guarantee the highest levels of professionalism when dealing with your injury case.

Injuries may leave you stuck with costly medical expenses and result in losing out on money from being unable to work. A successful claim for damages can help you recoup from these losses, so call today for a free consultation to see what your options are, and where you can go from here.

Call us today at 617.492.3000 or toll-free at 800.481.6199. We are available 24/7.