Falls in a stairwell might be accidental, but the injured person should still hold someone accountable. Negligence is a common factor in these incidents, and the property owners who allow dangerous hazards to remain unchecked could face civil liability.
When you suffer injuries in a stairwell accident in Katy, you could be entitled to a monetary award for the damage. These payments could cover your physical, emotional, and financial losses, allowing you to physically recover without the financial stressors. A dedicated slip and fall attorney could review the facts, determine if the property owner is at fault, and help you navigate the legal system.
How Negligence Can Result in a Stairwell Accident
Whether these incidents occur in public buildings, businesses, or private homes, a fall on a stairwell could be a viable case for damages. The key factor in these cases is whether the property owner or tenant was negligent in failing to address a dangerous hazard related to the steps.
To succeed with these claims, a plaintiff must show that a dangerous hazard on the property resulted in their Katy stairwell falling accident, and the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect them from harm.
A claimant could still be successful with their case even if the defendant was not directly aware of the hazard. Property owners have an obligation to inspect the premises regularly to look out for dangerous conditions. Therefore, they can be held liable if they should have known of a dangerous issue or defect.
An important consideration is the amount of time that has passed since the existence of the dangerous condition and the injury. The more time that passes between these two events, the more opportunities there were to address the hazard. When a defendant had plenty of time to fix an issue but failed to do so, a court could find them to have acted negligently.
Hazards in Stairwells
Falls and other incidents in stairwells usually involve some type of unseen hazard. They can involve a person slipping on a wet surface, tripping over something in their way, or losing their balance unexpectedly. Some of the most common factors include the following:
- Faulty risers
- Dim lighting
- Trash or debris
- Broken handrails
- Bunched or torn carpet
- Broken or missing steps
- Accumulated ice on exterior steps
Under any of these scenarios, an accidental injury could make for a viable legal claim. Anyone who is hurt by slipping, tripping, or falling on a stairwell in Katy may be entitled to financial compensation for their accident injuries.
Common Injuries
Because of the steep drop that can come with these accidents, the resulting injuries are often life-altering. Many people who are hurt in these situations require ongoing medical care for months or even years. Some examples include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains or strains
- Broken arms or legs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
It is important to seek out legal counsel immediately after being hurt on another person’s property. An attorney in Katy could provide answers on possible legal action following an accident on a stairwell.
Consult an Attorney in Katy About Stairwell Accident Injury Compensation
When you have suffered injuries in a stairwell accident in Katy, now is the time to speak with a lawyer. One of our skilled attorneys could help you get the outcome you deserve. Reach out as soon as possible for a private consultation with an attorney who understands how to win.