For many, a fall down the stairs can result in little more than a hurt ego. However, others are not as lucky. Unfortunately, many underestimate how dangerous falling down stairs can be, even though an estimated 12,000 people each year fatally fall down stairs. As such, if you were injured as a result of falling down unsafe stairs, this blog and a Broward County slip and fall lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve during these challenging times. Keep reading to learn more about unsafe stairs and who can be held liable for damages.

What Makes Stairs Unsafe?

Though you may not think twice before climbing or descending a set of stairs, as these are a standard fixture in most homes and commercial buildings, it’s important to understand what hazards can lead you to sustain injuries.

Common Stair Defects in Florida

Typically, the following can result in someone slipping, tripping, and falling down a staircase or stairwell:

  • Stairs that are too steep
  • Treads that aren’t deep enough
  • Risers that are too high
  • Uneven spacing between steps
  • Improperly assembled stairs
  • Missing handrails or defective and broken railings
  • Broken or crashed treads and general structural damage
  • Inadequate or insufficiently lit stairwells
  • A dangerous lack of security or maintenance

Generally, any time a staircase is not built to code or properly maintained, anyone who uses the stairs is at risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries. Unfortunately, falling down stairs can be incredibly dangerous, as the victim often sustains multiple impacts. As a result, they can sustain serious injuries like neck and spinal cord damage, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures and breaks, internal organ damage, internal bleeding, and lacerations.

Who Can Face Liability for The Injuries I’ve Sustained?

If you or a loved one fell down the stairs and sustained injuries as a result, it’s imperative to understand who may face liability for the damages you’ve sustained. Typically, you’ll find that liability will depend on the circumstances surrounding your injuries. When these accidents stem from a property owner’s negligence, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

Fulfilling the Burden of Proof in Florida

In the state of Florida, property owners have a strict legal duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. If you are pursuing legal action for a stairwell accident, you can successfully trace it back to a landlord or commercial operator’s negligence if you can prove that:

  • The property owner was fully aware of the specific hazard that caused your accident and failed to fix it (actual notice), or
  • The property owner should have reasonably been aware of the hazard through routine maintenance and inspections (constructive notice).

For example, if you live in an apartment complex and the stairs are defective as a result of a broken handrail, the landlord of the building can be held liable. This is because it is their responsibility to ensure the property is safe.

However, if you sustain an injury falling down your own stairs because they were constructed improperly, the contractor and construction company can face liability for the damages. This is because it is their responsibility to ensure the stairs are up to code.

In some cases, both the property owner and the construction company can face liability, such as when an injury happens on the poorly managed premises of a public building like a mall or hospital.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

In Florida, premises liability claims are highly-time sensitive, which means you should not delay pursuing action in the event you are injured due to unsafe stairs. In general, most personal injury cases in Florida, including those filed as a result of injuries sustained from unsafe stairs, are two years from the date on which the accident occurred.

Failure to file the claim within this timeframe can result in being barred from pursuing compensation for damages, even if injuries and negligence are obvious. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible, as they can assist you in gathering the evidence necessary to help you pursue a claim.

Contact an Experienced Broward County Personal Injury Attorney

Falling down stairs can be an incredibly traumatic experience, which is why it’s imperative to ensure you fight for the justice you deserve. However, navigating a lawsuit while healing from the damages you’ve sustained can be difficult, so it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney from the Finizio Law Group. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for you. Contact us today to speak with one of our seasoned attorneys and learn more about your options.