A fall on a staircase can be dangerous, leading to serious injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in a staircase accident, can the property owner be held liable? In some cases, yes. When the fall occurred due to a failure to maintain a safe walking surface, a claim or lawsuit can be filed against the property owner.
Failure to Maintain
A premises liability case can be filed against a property owner who allowed any of the following conditions to exist that could put visitors, employees, or guests at risk:
- Faulty handrails
- Lack of handrails
- Broken stair surfaces
- Uneven carpeting on stairs
- Items stacked in stairwells
- Lights burned out in dark stairways
- Wet or slippery stairs
Property Owners and Liability
Property owners are required to keep premises maintained and safe for those entering the property. This applies to all types of facilities, including stores, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, as well as public, private, and government buildings of all types. A property owner who is aware of an issue that requires maintenance, whether slippery or broken stairs, burned out lights, or other problems and does not rectify the situation immediately may be held liable in cases of injury.
Types of Injuries in Staircase Accidents
A fall on a staircase may lead to just minor bruises, but in many cases, the injuries are very severe:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussion
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
How to Recover Fair Compensation after a Staircase Accident?
Filing a premises liability claim requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. It is vital that the area where the fall occurred is photographed before the management or owner of the property performs a fast repair. If possible, take pictures of the area with your phone to document the hazardous condition of the staircase. Your personal injury lawyer will identify the property owner, investigate the background of the owner to determine whether there is a history of a failure to maintain safe premises, and file a claim to seek the maximum in compensation. If necessary, a lawsuit can be filed against a property owner who disputes the claim or fails to make a fair settlement offer.
Elements of a Premises Liability Case: Staircase Accidents in Colorado Springs
Any premises liability case, to be successful, must prove the following elements:
- The property owner had a duty of care to the injured person.
- The property owner breached that duty of care by failing to maintain safe premises.
- The injury was caused by this failure to maintain safe premises.
In some cases, the liable party may be the property maintenance company, stairwell designer, or construction company who built the staircase if the design or construction was faulty.
Your Attorney for Staircase Accidents: The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
Not all attorneys are equal in legal skill, personal dedication to their clients, and ability to craft a case that can bring about a fair and equitable resolution. The financial losses must be fully covered, including medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity and others, as well as non-economic damages such as the pain and suffering associated with the injuries. Our firm is respected, talented, and committed to seeking the most favorable outcome for the people we represent.
Contact The Bussey Law Firm today at (719) 475-2555 for a free case consultation after a staircase accident that led to serious injuries.