Staircase falls can cause serious injuries when broken steps, loose handrails, poor lighting, or slippery surfaces make the stairs unsafe. If a property owner failed to repair the hazard or provide a warning, the injured person from slipping and falling down stairs, may be able to file a claim for compensation.
Falls on stairs often cause more force than falls on flat ground because the body may strike multiple surfaces before landing. A person may hit the edge of a step, a wall, a railing, twist while falling, or land on a lower level with little ability to stop the fall. Common injuries include:
Walking, driving, working, and other daily activities become harder when the injury affects balance, strength, or mobility.
Staircases require a safe design, regular maintenance, and clear walking space. Common staircase hazards property owner overlook include:
These falls may happen in an apartment complex, store, restaurant, office building, parking structure, hotel, school, or private home. The location directly impacts who can be held liable.
Responsibility for a staircase slip and fall depends on who owned, managed, or repaired it. Parties potentially at fault include:
In some cases, more than one party may be liable, depending on what made the stairs unsafe and whether there was time or reason to address the condition.
After a staircase fall, the property owner or insurer may attempt to blame you for missing a step or being distracted. A Riverside Premises Liability Lawyer will gather evidence to build and prove your claim. They can help by:
A lawyer takes over the entire claims process so you are not dealing with property owners, adjusters, paperwork, and repeated questions while trying to recover.
Before accepting the property owner’s explanation, we can help determine whether unsafe conditions contributed to your fall and what legal options may be available. Call Hanson & Mouri at (951) 688-0006 or send a message online to schedule a free consultation.