Stairway falls are among the leading causes of accidental injuries in the US. While it’s true that some accidents are simply unavoidable, a large portion of stairway accidents could have been prevented.
What makes stairway falls more likely and what are your options if your fall was caused by negligence?
Inadequate lighting
Store owners, restaurateurs and other building owners like to create an ambient atmosphere. This is often done by dimming the lights. While this may look the part, from a practical standpoint, it’s really not that safe, especially where stairways are concerned. If you can’t see where you’re going, then there is a distinct possibility that you’ll lose your balance and fall. Building owners and management have a responsibility to ensure that stairways have adequate lighting.
Poor maintenance
Like any other part of the building, stairways need to be maintained. A missing or broken step can cause a host of problems for visitors. Generally, public buildings are subjected to codes that dictate stairways should be safe and accessible. This responsibility falls on owners and management.
Lack of safety rails
Stairways should also be fitted with safety rails. These provide extra support for guests so that they can maintain their balance. They also act as a safety net, so that if a person does fall, they have something to grab onto, which can make the fall much less severe.
If you’ve fallen down the stairs and suffered severe injuries, you may be able to hold the premises to account if management were negligent. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of what to do.