Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers
Falling on Steps or Stairs can Result in Serious Injuries
Negotiating a flight of stairs or steps safely is something most of us probably take for granted. For people who want to lose weight or stay in shape, taking the stairs is a healthy choice. But sometimes, taking the stairs can actually be hazardous to your health. In America, defective steps and stairs cause thousands of accidental injuries each year. The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC have more than five decades of combined experience in handling all types of injury cases.
Identifying Specific Causes of Accidents on Steps and Stairs
One of the first things we do is ask you to provide comprehensive information about your injury. This typically includes details about when, where and how you got hurt. This is important because it helps him or her pinpoint what caused the accident that caused your injury and who is at fault. If you tripped, slipped or fell on steps or stairs, these could be some of the contributing factors:
- Incorrect height or depth – Stems from lack of compliance with building code requirements for step and stair measurements
- Irregular height or depth – Also stemming from failure to follow building code requirements for steps and stairs
- Lack of or improper installation of banisters – Typically resulting from failure to comply with building code requirements
- Poor construction and/or maintenance – Often a key factor with outdoor steps or stairs that are subjected to the elements
- Slick surfaces – Including steps or stairs with either damaged or well polished wood
Children are at Significant Risk of Being Injured on defective Steps and Stairs
According to the Brain Injury Institute, the further you fall, the more likely you are to be seriously hurt. That makes accidental falls on steps and stairs especially dangerous. Adults aren’t the only people at risk, however. A 2012 study based on data collected during a 10-year period showed that young children injured while being carried up and down stairs were more likely to be hospitalized for those injuries than their peers who were hurt in different circumstances. Based on data from 1999-2008, the study also showed that:
- More than 930,000 children age five and under ended up in the American emergency rooms for treatment of stair-related injuries during that time.
- Most of the kids who were hurt when they fell down the stairs by themselves.
- Most of the injuries were relatively minor.
- Some of the children did sustain head and neck injuries.
- Roughly 3 percent of the children who were hurt ended up in the hospital.
If You’ve Been Hurt in an Accident on Defective Steps or Stairs, Contact our Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers as Soon as Possible
The Philadelphia premises liability lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC provide skilled representation for clients who are injured as a result of defective steps and stairs. If you’ve been wondering if you should sue the responsible parties, contact our offices at 215-569-8488 or at 302-888-1221 to set up a free consultation. You can also visit our office at 1500 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1110, or schedule your initial meeting online. We represent injured victims in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.