New York City has some of the most famous buildings on the planet and is famous for its cultural offerings, such as the Broadway theater. The city also has a million residents, and all those people rely heavily on public infrastructure to get around. That means a hundred staircases to go down subways and up the many buildings lining the streets. And a slip on these staircases can be deadly.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to defective stairs, you should contact an NYC defective stairway lawyer. You can file a personal injury claim for poorly maintained property or other negligent actions.
Common Causes of Stairway Accidents
Stairways can become hazardous for many reasons, like a lack of maintenance or failure to adhere to building codes. Such environments can gravely injure people. Here are a few common causes of stairway accidents:
Uneven Steps: A common problem with stairways is uneven steps. This can cause people to trip or miss their footing, resulting in sprains or broken bones.
Broken Railings: Another common cause of accidents is broken railings. Due to frequent use, railings can break off, leading to a dangerous environment. People may lean on the railings for support, not noticing they’re broken, and fall.
Slippery Surfaces: Liquids on stairways, like ice, water, or anything else that was accidentally spilled, can lead to accidents. It can cause people to lose their footing and slip down the stairs, resulting in head and back injuries.
Poor Lighting: Finally, poor lighting can make it difficult for people to see where they’re going and can result in them missing a step or losing their footing. Bad light is particularly risky for those with poor eyesight or elderly individuals and can cause bad injuries.
Injuries from Stairway Accidents
The injuries people can get from falling on stairways range from bruises to broken backs. Here are a few common injuries:
- Fractures: A common injury from falls on stairways is fractures. This happens when people try to brace themselves when falling.
- Head Injuries: Falls can also cause head injuries, which can be quite serious. Falls can lead to concussions and other brain injuries that affect cognitive or motor skills.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falling on your back down the stairs can result in spinal injuries, which can paralyze people. These injuries are very painful and expensive to treat.
Legal Consequences for Stairway Accidents
There are legal codes and laws in place to prevent accidents in public places. Failing to meet these laws can result in serious consequences for owners of the properties in question.
In New York, owners are required to maintain their property in an acceptable standard, failing which, they can be sued for improper maintenance.
If a stairway is broken and the owner willfully neglects it and fails to repair it, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. If someone falls on these stairs, the owners may be asked to pay for their medical bills and any other damages they suffer as a result of the injury.
Final Thoughts
Falling on a stairway is not a fun experience. It’s not unheard of, however, especially in a crowded city like New York. If a stairway is uneven, slippery, or missing a rail, people can slip, leading to serious injuries. These can range from sprains or broken bones to concussions and spinal injuries.
It’s best to consult a lawyer if you find yourself in such a situation. Property owners are required to maintain stairways so that people don’t get hurt while using them. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable legally and be asked to pay for injuries and damages caused.
