Staircases Can Be Hazardous
Learn the Dangers of Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents on Stairs
How many times a day do we go up and down the stairs, never giving it a second thought? And yet, falls on stairways are among the most common type of accident resulting in serious personal injuries, including fatalities.
According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, over one million injuries occur each year due to stairway falls. Staircase accidents are also the second leading cause of accidental injuries, coming right after motor vehicle accidents.
Staircase Collapse in Hudson Valley
Recently, two Hudson Valley residents were injured when a staircase in their apartment complex collapsed as they were making their descent. The fall sent the mother and young child spiraling to the lower level. Taken to a local hospital, the mother suffered a broken leg, and the child received minor injuries. After rescuing these two victims, the fire department helped the remaining residents that were stranded on the floors above the breach. This accident is currently under investigation.
Why Do Staircase Accidents Happen?
There are a variety of reasons that these unexpected accidents occur. Broken stairs, lack of handrails and slippery surfaces are just a few. There are, however, standards and building codes in nearly every municipal village, city, and town in Westchester County that assign responsibility to the party (usually the property owner) who is charged with ensuring the stars are maintained in good working order.
What to Do After a Staircase Accident
If you are hurt on a faulty stairway, you should seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries and notify the property owner of the hazardous condition to avoid additional accidents from occurring.
If you suffered serious injury, you should also get in touch with a premises liability lawyer who can discuss your legal options. At Denlea & Carton, we represent injury victims of slip and fall accidents on stairs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
