Many slip and fall accidents happen on staircases. These can be very dangerous. Falling down the stairs can lead to head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and much more.
So how do you know if a staircase is unsafe? There are many different potential signs and issues to look for. Knowing the signs can help you avoid an accident or at least know who was responsible if you suffer injuries.
Wear and tear
First and foremost, just look at the condition of the treads to see if they are worn, cracked or loose. The same goes for the banisters or support rails along the stairway. If they are missing, loose or disconnected from the wall, an accident is far more likely.
A cluttered environment
Some staircases are cluttered, such as at a business where people have left boxes or other items on the stairs. In an apartment building or a hotel, a rug may have been placed at the top of the stairs, where it could cause someone to trip, or carpeting may be ripped and torn.
Lack of lighting
Furthermore, it is not just about the staircase itself. In order for it to be safe, it needs to have appropriate lighting, especially if it is an interior staircase without any windows. If adequate lighting has not been installed or if lightbulbs are burned out, it makes a slip and fall accident much more likely.
Have you suffered injuries in a fall on someone else’s property? If so, you may deserve compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and much more.
