Accidents on Stairs

Slipping and falling on a staircase can be an especially devastating accident, with a far greater likelihood of broken bones and sprains than a slip on a flat surface. As with any type of injury sustained on someone else’s property, accidents on stairs can be determined to be the fault of negligence of the owner if certain criteria are met.

What Makes Stairs Dangerous?

Stairs are subject to a number of factors that make them potentially dangerous, including:

• Slippery Surfaces - wood, carpet, or concrete that has been significantly worn down can pose an immediate slipping threat. Even surfaces that are only slightly worn can cause accidents, as people are less likely to notice the dangers.
• Wet and Icy Steps - usually a problem with outdoor staircases, water of both the liquid and frozen variety can increase the risk on stairs several fold. Although the user is obviously responsible for exercising a heftier dose of caution in these situations, an owner must still ensure that excessive water and ice do not accumulate.
• Building Code Issues - The specific laws that govern building regulation vary widely by state and county, but will almost always include details on staircase construction and maintenance. A few typical areas that building codes cover include handrails, handrail height, improper stair measurements, and variable step width or height.

When the Owner is Liable

Proving liability in a staircase slip-and-fall accident is not always easy. To be held liable for your accident, the owner or an employee must be proven to have been guilty of either causing the conditions leading to the fall, knowing about the conditions and failing to correct them, or neglecting to adequately inspect his or her premise to a reasonable degree.

Contact Us

Falls on staircases are unfortunately common. If you or someone you love has been affected by a slip, trip or fall on a staircase on another’s property and you think the owner might be in some way responsible, contact the offices of Chicago slip and fall injury attorneys Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at (312) 466-8200.