Common Causes of Stairway Accidents on Commercial Premises

Slips, trips and falls on stairways on commercial properties often result from negligence on the part of property owners or managers, who have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If they fail to inspect their property for dangers or to fix known hazards, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

The primary causes of stairway accidents are preventable dangerous conditions, such as the following:

• Lack of stair uniformity — Building codes require stairs to have uniform riser heights (the vertical part) and tread depths (the part you step on). When these dimensions are inconsistent, even by a small amount, it can disrupt a person's natural gait and balance, leading to a misstep.

• Improper handrails — Handrails must be installed at a specific height, be continuous and be easy to grasp. Missing, broken or improperly placed handrails deprive users of essential support, especially if they begin to lose their balance.

• Poor maintenance — Negligent maintenance creates numerous hazards. This includes worn-out or broken treads, loose carpeting or debris left on the steps. Over time, wear and tear can create dangerous structural weaknesses that should be identified and repaired promptly.

• Slippery surfaces — Dangers can come from spills that aren't cleaned up, recently waxed or polished surfaces without proper warning signs or outdoor steps made slick by rain, ice, or snow. The flooring material itself can also be a factor if it doesn't provide adequate traction.

• Inadequate lighting — Poor lighting can obscure a person's view of the steps, making it difficult to see potential hazards like spills, debris or variations in the stair's surface. Shadows can also create optical illusions, hiding the edge of a step.

Liability for injuries isn't limited to the property owner or manager. A third-party maintenance company contracted to care for the property could be at fault. Likewise, if the stairs were built improperly and don't comply with building codes, the original builder or architect could also be held responsible.

Injuries from a stairway fall can include broken bones (especially wrists, arms, and hips), spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), sprains and deep lacerations. These can lead to significant financial and personal losses. A person injured may be entitled to recover damages, such as:

• Medical expenses — Coverage for all related medical treatment, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy.

• Lost wages — Compensation for the income lost while unable to work.

• Long-term rehabilitation costs — Funds for future care, modifications to the home, or assistive devices if the injury results in permanent disability.

• Pain and suffering — Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.

A qualified premises liability attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, identify all liable parties and carry through with litigation to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident on dangerous, unsafe or negligently maintained premises, the lawyers at Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP in Santa Barbara can help. Call 805-962-0397 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.