If you fall down a set of stairs, you might just believe it’s down to being clumsy or that it’s your fault. The truth is that someone else may be accountable for the injuries you have suffered.
Yes, people do fall every day, and many times there is no one to blame but themselves. However, if a serious injury takes place, it’s worth talking about who may be to blame for the staircase’s properties that caused the accident. For instance, if the stairs have frozen over, then the owner might be liable since he or she had not used salt or nonslip padding to protect those who may use the stairs.
How do you know if someone may be liable for your fall injuries?
Depending on the scenario, someone may be if there was water on the stairs to make them slick or if the stairs were icy. Uneven or broken stairs may also be a result of the negligence of the property owner. Stairs without railings may be a hazard depending on the situation, and stairs that are blocked or impassible due to objects or toys could also be a hazard that you could sue for.
While not every fall is one that you can hold someone accountable for, obvious negligence is one sign that you can pursue a claim. Whether that means stairs were left without railings or that a stair gave away under your weight, it’s your right to pursue a claim anytime maintenance wasn’t performed and repairs were not completed. Our website has more about the steps you can take next.