Faulty Step Injury Cases

How Do Faulty Step Injury Cases Happen?

Falling down a flight of stairs, even if it’s only a few steps, can be a painful and scary experience. Building codes require stairs to be built and maintained in particular ways to help ensure the safety of their users. Any deviation from these building codes can lead to a hazardous situation for anyone using the steps.

A property owner owes a duty of care to individuals who come onto their premises and should maintain their steps to keep them safe and functional for all visitors. This duty applies to all properties, whether businesses, apartment buildings, or even private homes. If property owners fail in their responsibilities, they may be liable for damages. It’s vital for individuals to know how to identify potentially faulty steps and understand how to protect their legal rights if they are injured in a slip and fall accident on a stairway.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured by a Faulty Step?

You should seek immediate medical care if you’ve experienced injuries due to a faulty step. This applies whether you feel seriously hurt or believe you just have some bumps and bruises. Not every severe injury is evident immediately, and delaying treatment can worsen it. The purpose of getting a timely medical evaluation is twofold: it ensures that you are getting the medical treatment you need to heal and creates an official record of your injuries that could be critical if you choose to file a claim.

It is also essential to take pictures of the faulty step to prove the condition it was in when you fell. If you cannot photograph it at the time of your injury, contact a friend or relative to document it as soon as possible. The property owner may try to hastily fix it if they realize they could be held liable for your injuries. Contacting a trusted personal injury lawyer for a free consultation can provide you with more guidance on any further steps you should take.

What Are the Main Causes of Faulty Step Injuries?

While anyone using stairs is expected to exercise a reasonable amount of caution, even the most careful person can get hurt if the step is faulty. If you’ve been injured on a stairway, you may not realize at the time that it wasn’t up to code because even seemingly minor issues can make the stairs unsafe. For this reason, you should thoroughly document the location of your accident because the details may become important later. Some common defects found in steps that can cause falls and injuries include:

• Missing or defective handrails
• Improper height or depth of steps
• Uneven or excessively worn steps
• Weak or broken steps that can give way
• Poorly maintained carpeting on steps, leading to tripping
• Lack of anti-slip surfaces
• Negligent care of steps, including items left on stairs or improper removal of snow or water

Why is It Important to Consult a Lawyer for Your Faulty Step Injury Case?

The time after an accident can be very stressful and hectic. You may be in pain and anxiously wondering how you will pay for your medical expenses or support your family if your injuries have caused you to miss work. An experienced California slip and fall lawyer can evaluate your case, investigate the accident scene, and handle any communication with the liable parties and their insurance companies to help you recover fair compensation for your losses. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers, call (805)330-3393.