What Should I Do if I Fall Down Unsafe Stairs in California?

In some instances, when someone falls down the stairs, they may be able to walk away from the incident with nothing more than a bruised ego. However, others are not as lucky and can endure serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Often, unsafe stairs are the cause of these incidents. It is important to understand that you do not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence in these matters, as connecting with our Irvine stairway accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. If this reflects your circumstances, keep reading to learn more about what makes stairs unsafe and who can face liability for the damages you have sustained.

What Makes Stairs Unsafe?

In general, there are several factors that can render a stairway unsafe for use. Common hazards that can lead to injury include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stairs that are too steep
• Treads that are not deep enough
• Stairs that are an inconsistent height from one step to the next 
• Risers that are too high
• Stairs that are not wide enough
• Missing or broken handrails
• Damage to the step
• Inadequate lighting
• Debris on the stairs

Generally, improper maintenance is one of the leading causes of hazards, but improper construction can also assume some of the blame in these circumstances. Unfortunately, though falling down the stairs may not seem like a big deal, nearly 12,000 deaths per year are attributed to accidents involving stairs. As such, unsafe stairs can cause considerable damage to the victims.

Who Can Face Liability for Damages?

It is important to understand that if you are injured, you may be able to pursue damages against the negligent party for their actions. If this occurs, it is in your best interest to discuss your circumstances with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through these difficult times.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, liability can fall on a number of different parties. In general, the property owner where the accident occurred can face responsibility because it is ultimately up to them to ensure that the stairs on their property are safe and properly maintained.

However, you may find that the contractor who built the stairs can face liability, as it is their responsibility to ensure the stairs are constructed according to local codes. In some instances, both the property owner and contractor can face liability for the injuries someone sustains while using the unsafe stairs.

When you are injured due to inherently unsafe stairs, understanding your legal options is critical. Generally, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is connect with an experienced attorney with California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC. We understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why our firm will do everything possible to guide you through these difficult times. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.