What Are Considered Unsafe Stairs Liability Claims?

Falling off the stairs might not always be your own fault. Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the property might be held liable for any injuries and damages incurred during your fall. How can you determine what can be seen as an unsafe stairs liability claim? Here, we reveal some factors you can use to determine if a set of stairs can be considered either improperly managed or unsafe.

Poor Lighting

Poorly-lit staircases or stairways can be considered legally unsafe if poor visibility has caused you to fall. If you suspect and can prove that your fall was due to poor lighting, you may have a premises liability case.

Slippery Stairs

If the staircase was constructed out of materials with slippery surfaces such as highly-polished wood or tile, it can be considered dangerous. Property owners are mandated to make sure that their stairs are not considered slippery for most types of shoe soles. While this may seem like a peculiar requirement, a set of stairs that are more slippery than they should be are considered legally unsafe.

Wet and Icy

The main cause of staircase accidents outdoors is wet and icy stairs. Extra caution is advised for anyone walking outside during that period, but property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their stairs are maintained to minimize risks of accidents during snowy or wet weather.

Handrails

A handrail is meant to keep you safe. If you have fallen off a flight of stairs that has not been equipped with a handrail, you may be entitled to compensation via a premises liability claim. Laws are also stringent in that they require that handrails be installed not only properly, but at the right height to be reached by people of all heights and ages.

Stair Height and Depth

It may surprise you to know that the law details specific measurement requirements for stair height and depth. This is because most of us have an “intuitive” walking pattern; when walking down a flight of stairs, we expect that each stair will be of equal height and depth, and we walk according to that expectation. Variance in height and depth interferes with that intuition, and recognition of that is articulated through laws regulating that stairs be of specific and consistent heights and depths. If these requirements were not met during construction, it can be construed as negligence, which would grant you the basis for a premises liability claim.

Take the Next Step

As you can see, there are a variety of factors that affect whether a set of stairs can be considered legally unsafe. If you or someone you know has had a staircase accident and you believe that you have a reason for a premises liability claim, a reputable attorney can help you further. To win a claims battle, you will need hard documentary evidence and the aid of someone with knowledge of legal intricacies. Contact us today to request a free consultation, and get another step closer to getting the compensation that you deserve.