Most people walk up and down staircases every day without ever giving it a second thought. Of course, you try to watch where you’re walking and avoid any potential hazards when you can, but in most cases, you don’t even expect anything to be there that could potentially trip you up. Unfortunately, serious accidents and injuries due to stairway hazards are far from rare, and if you’re someone who has sustained such an injury, you’re most likely now seeking compensation to help you deal with the economic and non-economic damages you’ve sustained. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Union County slip and fall lawyer from The Mark Law Firm to learn more about what you need to do after falling down unsafe stairs and how our legal team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Should I Do Immediately After Falling Down Unsafe Stairs?
Rather obviously, your health should be your first concern after falling down a staircase. Even if you do not initially believe you are seriously injured, you should understand that certain injuries may not become fully apparent until several hours, or even days, after the accident. Some of the most important steps you can take are as follows:
- Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for emergency medical assistance.
- Avoid moving if you believe doing so may worsen a head, neck, back, or spinal injury.
- Report the accident to the property owner, landlord, manager, or business owner.
- Ask for a written incident report and request a copy, if possible.
- Take pictures of the stairs and the specific condition that caused you to fall.
- Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing without repairing, cleaning, or discarding them.
- Attend all follow-up appointments and continue receiving any recommended medical treatment.
Can I Hold a Property Owner Responsible for Unsafe Stairs?
In many cases, the answer to this question is “yes.” That being said, simply falling on another person’s property does not automatically mean that the property owner is legally responsible for your injuries.
Generally, you will have to demonstrate that a dangerous stairway condition existed, that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about it, and that the owner failed to repair the condition or provide visitors with an adequate warning. Some common examples of dangerous stairway conditions include:
- Broken, cracked, or uneven steps
- Loose or missing handrails
- Poor or inadequate lighting
- Slippery stairs caused by water, ice, debris, or cleaning products
- Torn carpeting or unsecured floor coverings
- Staircases that were improperly designed or constructed
- Building code violations
- A lack of warning signs near a known hazard
What Compensation May Be Available After a Stairway Fall?
The compensation available after a stairway accident will depend on the extent of your injuries and how the accident has affected your life. For example, someone who suffered a minor sprain will most likely have a different claim than someone who sustained a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, or multiple broken bones. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Future medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If you have any additional questions, or you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence and you believe you qualify for compensation, please don’t hesitate to contact The Mark Law Firm for a free case evaluation today.
