(235+)Stairs are a part of everyday life, whether at home, work, or out in public. We use them without a second thought. But what happens when those stairs are unsafe? A dangerous staircase can lead to serious slip and fall accidents, resulting in severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and long recovery times. At Gibbons & Crichton, our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys have helped countless victims of stair accidents get the compensation they deserve. In this post, we will discuss the common causes of unsafe stairs, what to do if you are injured, and how our law firm can help.
The Dangers of Unsafe Stairs
A slip and fall accident on stairs can happen in the blink of an eye but have lifelong consequences.
Unsafe stairs are one of the leading causes of severe injury. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Missing or broken handrails
- Uneven or broken steps
- Worn-out or slippery surfaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Lack of slip-resistant treatments
- Building code violations
These hazardous conditions can send an unsuspecting person tumbling down the stairs, leading to catastrophic harm like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, complex fractures, or even death. No one should have to suffer due to a property owner’s negligence in maintaining safe stairs.
Unsafe stairs pose a risk to everyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Young children who are still developing their balance and coordination skills can easily lose their footing. Elderly individuals with declining vision, mobility issues, or medications that cause dizziness are at heightened risk. People with disabilities may have a harder time navigating stairs, especially without proper handrails or adequate lighting. Carrying heavy items up or down stairs also increases the chances of a fall. Whenever negligent property owners allow stair hazards to persist, they are putting the public in danger.
Stair Accidents in Philadelphia
In a vertical city like Philadelphia, with its many multi-story homes, offices, and public spaces, stair accidents are all too common. Every year, emergency rooms in Philadelphia treat thousands of patients injured on unsafe stairs. Elderly individuals, children, and those with mobility issues are especially vulnerable.
Some of the places where stair accidents frequently occur in Philadelphia include:
- Row homes with steep and narrow staircases
- Older office buildings with outdated stairs
- SEPTA stations with high-traffic stairs
- Parking garages and stadiums
- Restaurants and bars
- Apartment building common areas
Property owners in Philadelphia have a legal duty to inspect stairs regularly, fix any hazards promptly, and warn of any dangers. When they fail in this responsibility, innocent people get hurt.
Philadelphia sees its fair share of wet and icy weather conditions, which can make outdoor stairs treacherous. Property owners must take extra precautions during inclement weather to prevent slip and fall accidents. This includes shoveling snow, salting ice, fixing leaks, and placing caution signs as needed. Indoor stair hazards are present year-round and must be addressed immediately. Loose floorboards, torn carpets, broken tiles, and burned-out light bulbs are all accidents waiting to happen. Neglecting stair maintenance puts visitors, customers, tenants, and employees at risk of serious harm.
What to Do After a Stair Accident
The moments after a stair accident are crucial. After seeking necessary medical attention, it is important to document the scene with photos of the dangerous staircase and your injuries if possible. Get contact information for any witnesses. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of the report.
Be cautious of insurance companies that may contact you to take a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Remember that their goal is to pay out as little as possible, not to ensure you are fully compensated. Always speak with an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney before signing anything.
Your health should be the top priority after a stair accident. Even if you feel okay afterward, some serious injuries may not have obvious symptoms right away. Always get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your treatment plan. Keep copies of all medical records and bills, as these will be important for your legal case. Stair accidents are sudden and traumatic events. It is normal to feel shaken up, frustrated, and overwhelmed in the aftermath. An experienced personal injury lawyer can ease the burden and fight for your rights during this challenging time.
Proving Fault in an Unsafe Stairs Case
To hold a property owner liable for your injuries, you must prove they were negligent in maintaining safe stairs. This means showing the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning within a reasonable timeframe.
Evidence in an unsafe stairs case may include:
- Photos of the hazardous condition
- Past complaints about the stairs
- Maintenance records
- Building code violations
- Security camera footage
- Witness testimony
An experienced premises liability lawyer will know how to gather the necessary evidence, handle all communications with insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. With their help, you could receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
It is important to act quickly after an unsafe stairs accident, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. However, claims against government entities have much shorter notice requirements. An attorney can ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time to protect your rights. They can also help determine all potential sources of compensation, including property insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and business liability coverage. With a skilled legal advocate on your side, you can feel confident you are pursuing the maximum recovery possible.
Philadelphia Stair Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured due to unsafe stairs in Philadelphia, the dedicated lawyers at Gibbons & Crichton are here to help. For many years, our award-winning legal team has successfully represented victims of stair accidents to recover maximum compensation. We understand the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial toll a devastating injury takes. Contact us today for more information.
