Stairways in apartment buildings and businesses provide access to different floors. They are much more cost-effective than elevators or escalators. However, they are one of the most dangerous spaces in any multi-story building.
People can easily lose their balance or get hurt because they slip. In some cases, businesses or landlords fail to properly maintain stairways, making them much more dangerous for visitors. If someone falls down the stairs due to issues with a property, they could sustain catastrophic injuries.
What injuries are possible?
A fall down a flight of stairs could cause broken bones. One person could potentially sustain multiple fractures in a single fall.
People can also injure their brains if they hit their heads as they tumble down the stairs. Spinal cord injuries are also possible in some cases. Any of those injuries could generate major medical costs and reduce a person’s future earning potential.
What forms of negligence are common?
Property owners should ensure that the floors in stairways are clean and stable. They should also ensure that handrails are secure and able to support adequate weight. Proper lighting is also critical for safety when navigating a stairwell. If other people can quickly identify maintenance issues that cause a stairway incident, the person who fell may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
Documenting the circumstances of a fall and proving that negligent maintenance caused the situation at issue can help injured people hold businesses or property owners accountable. A premises liability lawsuit can potentially provide compensation for medical expenses, property damage costs and lost income after a fall caused by dangerous property conditions.