8 Common Injuries Caused by Broken Stairs
A stair fall accident is far too common than many people think.
According to the National Safety Council, more than a million people fall from stairs each year. And 12,000 of these annual cases result in death. That makes stair falls the second leading cause of different accident injuries, next only to vehicular accidents.
Now, you may ask what type of injuries you can sustain from a stair fall accident.
And wonder how to protect your rights, especially if somebody is liable for your stair fall injuries?
Sustaining Injuries from a Stair Fall Accident
Stair fall accidents cause injuries like:
- Lower extremity injuries like ankle dislocation
- Bone fractures
- Spine injuries that may result in paralysis
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain damage
- Internal bleeding
- Deep wounds
- Sprains and strains
Some of these are simple enough and won’t cause significant health risks. However, stair falls can also inflict serious spine injuries that can lead to paralysis.
Consulting with a doctor immediately after the accident promotes better recovery and prevents complications. It can also help you when filing a case if somebody is liable for the accident.
Stair Fall Accidents and Premises Liability
The Premises Liability Law holds a person accountable if they fail to keep their establishment and home safe from accidents. This law applies to stair fall accidents, especially if an unsafe staircase or stairways causes accident-related injuries.
For example, falling on a wet staircase because the establishment staff didn’t place a wet floor sign in the area.
You can also hold them accountable if the accident results from faulty treads or risers.
Moreover, an owner, renter, or management staff is liable if they fail to follow the stair safety building code. The standards require stairs to:
- Have at least 36 inches of clearance width
- Have 4 to 7 inches height for each riser, with only up to 3/8 inch variation
- Stairs have 11 inches of tread depth
- Have at least one stair handrail that is 34 to 38 inches high
- Have a landing in between floor levels if the stairs reach more than 151 inches in height
Taking Legal Action for a Stair Fall Accident
You could file a case if negligence caused your stair fall. Here are the legal steps you can do:
1. Report the Accident
Report the accident to the owner or management staff of the establishment. Take their contact information for easier coordination when you are ready to claim compensation.
2. Collect Evidence
Gather these pieces of evidence to prove somebody’s negligence caused your fall.
- Intensive pictures of the scene and your injuries
- Video footage of the establishment
- Witness statement
The evidence must prove that an unsafe stair condition had caused you to fall, like pictures of a wet staircase. The witness statements should also support that you were using the stairs properly.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You should go for a medical evaluation within 48 hours after the accident. It keeps you away from complications because of the injuries sustained while supporting your case.
Remember to get a medical report from your physician and keep copies of medical prescriptions, treatments, and bills.
4. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The premises liability case is challenging to prove.
That’s why you should consult a reliable personal injury attorney in Glendale to win your case. They will prove the liable party’s negligence and help you get rightful compensation for your injuries.
Consult a Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer for Stair Fall Accidents
Stair fall accidents cause injuries that you should not take lightly. That’s why you must know your rights if you fall because of unsafe stair conditions.
Hiring a personal injury attorney in Glendale will help you file and win a case.