When icy walkways, cluttered aisles, or dimly lit hallways result in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to damages for injuries. But what if you fall down the stairs? Can negligence play a role in stairwell falls. The answer is – absolutely.
You may think that all stairwells are created equal, but they actually come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. When stairwells are poorly designed, constructed, or maintained, or if lighting is poor, the risk of serious injuries and death is a very real concern. If you have suffered injuries due to a stairwell fall, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
If a stairwell is improperly designed or constructed, it can result in falls. Dangerous stairwells aren’t necessarily old and in disrepair. A brand new stairwell can be poorly designed and / or constructed. For example, if the designer miscalculated appropriate depth on some of the steps, this would fall under the category of poor design. If the designer’s plans were accurate, but the construction crew mistakenly made some of the steps too short or too wide, this would be an example of poor construction. Alternatively, if the steps were designed and constructed perfectly, but wear and tear has made a step wobbly, this could indicate poor maintenance.
Even if the stairwell was safely designed and built, and it has been meticulously maintained for years, negligence could have played a role in your injuries. Was the stairwell poorly lit? Were the steps slippery due to water or another substance? Liquids and slippery substances can be tracked in on visitors shoes, or they can drip through a leaky roof. This is especially dangerous on outdoor stairwells, such as those found leading to train platforms, upon which liquids can freeze, becoming an invisible sheet of ice. Even a missing handrail can result in a serious fall. If you’ve been injured in any type of slip and fall accident, contact a Boston injury lawyer today.
So, Who’s Responsible?
In MA, public stairwells usually require strict compliance with municipal codes by those who own the building and maintain the property. Therefore, if the building owner failed to comply with any of these codes, he or she may be liable for the victim’s injuries. Municipal codes typically govern the slope or incline of the steps, the height and depth of each step, the acceptable degree of turns and curbs, lighting, and the presence or lack of handrails.
On the other hand, if the building owner was compliant but the stairwell was poorly designed or constructed, liability could fall in the lap of the design firm, a manufacturer, or the contractor who installed the steps.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured in a stairwell fall, the skilled personal injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If the negligence of another has caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. If you’ve been injured, the last thing you want to worry about is identifying who is responsible for your injuries and filing a claim against that party. That’s where we come in. Our experienced injury lawyers will analyze the details of your case to come up with a legal strategy that positions you for the best possible outcome. We will make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward, and your attorney will be by your side every step of the way. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.