Stair injuries are common, but many can be prevented. A study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, published in 2017, reported an average of over a million stair injuries each year in the U.S., with an increase in stair injuries in recent years. Their conclusion was that prevention efforts should be a priority, which is also our belief at Burnside Law Firm. We represent those who are injured due to broken or faulty stairs and those who sustain injuries when step-downs are dangerously left unmarked.
Ensuring Stairway Safety: Property Owner Responsibilities and Liability in Athens and Augusta, GA
Property owners in Athens and Augusta, GA, are responsible for ensuring their structures are safe for anyone using them. This includes regular maintenance and prompt repairs to prevent accidents. Stairways with broken rails, loose step treads, or other risky elements can easily cause an accident. Both residential and commercial property owners must take proactive measures to ensure safety. They should avoid allowing anyone to use unsafe stairs on their property until they can be properly repaired.
To enhance safety, property owners should:
- Regularly inspect stairways for any signs of damage or wear.
- Fix broken rails and secure any loose step treads immediately.
- Ensure proper lighting around stairways to prevent trips and falls.
- Use non-slip materials on steps to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Mark step-downs or uneven steps clearly to alert individuals to potential hazards.
- Install handrails on both sides of the stairway for added support.
It is also crucial to alert anyone on the property of a step-down that can cause a fall hazard by marking the step appropriately. Clear signage and visible warnings can prevent accidents by making everyone aware of the potential risks. When someone is injured due to a failure to repair stairs or post warnings for tripping hazards, the property owner may be liable to pay for the injuries that occur on their premises. This liability can include covering medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Ensuring stairway safety not only protects visitors but also shields property owners from legal repercussions.
Dangerous Stairwells Can Cause Serious Injuries
Any fall on a stairwell can cause serious injury, leading to significant physical and emotional consequences. Whether you fall down several steps or trip on an unmarked step-down, the results can be severe. Such accidents can result in fractures, sprains, strains, head injuries, and other serious conditions that may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time. These injuries can also lead to long-term disability, chronic pain, and decreased quality of life.
When these injuries could have been prevented, it makes them even more tragic. Proper maintenance and clear warnings could easily avert many of these accidents. If a property owner knowingly has a dangerous stairwell or hazardous step-down that is accessible and fails to take corrective action, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur. This liability means they may need to pay compensation to the victims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
A fall on broken stairs or an unmarked step down can result in many expenses for you or a loved one. At Burnside Law Firm, we can assist our clients who have medical costs, lost time from work, suffering, and other expenses from stair injuries in getting the compensation they deserve. Contact our office today in Athens or Augusta, GA, to schedule a free consultation with one of our legal team members to explore your options if you have sustained a preventable stair injury.
