Slips and falls on the sidewalk or in a store aisle already hold the potential for serious injuries, but that danger increases significantly when stairs are involved. Sustaining an injury after tripping down stairs may prevent you from returning to work and interfere with your daily life. With the help of a local premises liability attorney, you may be able to hold the negligent party responsible for your suffering and ensure others aren’t harmed in the same way.
Why Stairway Falls Happen
To receive compensation in a successful slip and fall case, you need to prove the property owner was aware of the problem and then failed to provide reasonable care by addressing the situation. These are the most frequent staircase issues owners overlook that may cause a fall:
- Broken or missing handrails
- Damaged steps
- Lack of proper lighting
- Obstructions on steps like boxes, cords, or other debris
- Poorly constructed or uneven stairs
- Torn carpet
- Wet or icy stairs
- Worn or improperly maintained nosing or treads
Falling down stairs when these problems are present can result in a variety of wounds that require medical treatment. Some of the most common include broken bones, severe neck or back pain, ligament damage, spinal cord issues, and even traumatic brain injuries. If negligence on the part of the property owner, store employees, or maintenance crews led to your accident, an attorney can seek a settlement or take your case to court.
You may be able to recover medical costs for your out of pocket expenses, doctor visits, and surgeries, as well as future medical expenses for physical therapy. Compensation for your staircase slip and fall can also include lost income if you can’t go back to work.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Stairway Fall
For the best shot at a successful outcome, you need to act quickly to gather evidence proving negligence caused your fall. If your injuries allow, you should take these steps:
- Document the conditions before leaving the scene
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Notify the property owner, store manager, or another on-site official
- Seek medical attention as quickly as possible
- Contact a skilled premises liability attorney
Did You Fall Down Stairs Because of Property Owner Negligence?
Whether your fall happened in a private household, a business like a grocery store, or a public place owned by a government entity such as SEPTA, we want to help you recover what you are owed. Contact the Heslin Law Firm now to begin a quick consultation about your case.
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