Unsafe Stairs and Slippery Floors Injuries

If you’ve recently experienced the misfortune of a stairway accident in Kansas City, you’re not alone. Picture this: you’re descending a staircase in a local building when suddenly, a loose step gives way beneath your foot. In an instant, you find yourself tumbling down, the world blurring as pain erupts through your body. 

Such an experience can leave you with not only physical injuries but also a burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation if the property owner fails to fix broken stairs or take precautionary measures to prevent a stairway accident. 

It’s crucial to know that you have the right to seek legal assistance and possibly compensation for your ordeal. Don’t let the aftermath of your accident overwhelm you. Take the first step towards recovery by calling the experienced attorneys at Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, at 816-399-5149. We’re here to listen to your story, guide you through your legal options, and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Kansas City Stairway Accidents

Stairway accidents in Kansas City often involve broken stairs, negligent security, and a lack of safety features such as damaged handrails, deteriorated treads, and uneven or chipped stairs.

The National Flooring Institute recognizes staircases as a common source of falls, emphasizing the risk that poorly maintained stairways pose. Such negligence can lead to devastating fall injuries. Defects in escalators and elevated walkways add to the accident count, underscoring the need for stairway safety in Kansas City. But what factors make a stairway dangerous?

Identifying Common Hazards

One of the main culprits behind fall accidents is non-compliance with local building codes. These codes set standards for construction, materials, and dimensions to reduce the risk of accidents. For instance, property owners should ensure that:

• The height of each step varies no more than 3/8 of an inch
• Steps should have a consistent depth of at least 10 inches
• The minimum width for stairs should be at least three feet

Additionally, stairway handrails should withstand 200 pounds of pressure and be positioned 34-38 inches above the steps. Regular maintenance checks are needed for signs of wear and tear like loose carpeting or wobbly handrails. The staircase should also be clear of clutter to prevent tripping, and any uneven step heights should be addressed promptly to mitigate potential hazards.

Please note that building codes can vary significantly from one city to another. It is essential to consult with local authorities or a professional to ensure adherence to the appropriate building codes for your city.

The Impact of Stairway Falls

The aftermath of a stairway fall can be severe, leading to a range of injuries that vary in severity and long-term impact. Some of the injuries that can result from a stairway fall include:

• Head or brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Cuts and bruises

Such injuries can possibly lead to permanent disability or the need for long-term care. Even if it doesn’t escalate to this level, victims might still suffer from subsequent injuries like fractured bones, muscle sprains, and strains, each varying in severity and impact on the victim’s life. Who is responsible, and what can the victims do about it?

Legal Aspects of Stairway Injury Claims

When it comes to stairway accidents, premises liability law is a crucial concept. It holds property owners responsible for dangerous conditions on their property. Staircase accidents are categorized as premises liability under personal injury law. This means that property owners can be held responsible for ensuring the safety of their stairs, and if they fail to do so, they may face a premises liability claim.

Property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for visitors on their property as well as on someone else’s property that they manage. This duty encompasses maintaining stairways in a non-hazardous condition. If they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for slip and fall accidents that occur due to unsafe conditions on their property.

Establishing Property Owner’s Negligence

To hold a property owner legally accountable for a stairway accident, it must be established that they either created the hazard, were aware of the hazard but failed to act, or should have reasonably known about the hazard. This means that if a property owner chooses materials such as tile or polished wood for stairs that compromise safety, or if there are uneven stair dimensions, this may reflect the property owner’s negligence.

At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, we aim to ensure the accountability of property owners under premises liability law. We are committed to providing legal assistance to those injured in stairway accidents due to unsafe property conditions.

Pursuing Fair Compensation

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a stairway accident, it may be possible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, we scrutinize stairway accidents to secure compensation for victims’ medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys engage in negotiations with insurance companies to obtain compensation that covers all expenses experienced by stairway accident victims.

Holman Schiavone Law, LLC’s Approach to Your Claim

At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, we recognize the uniqueness of each stairway accident case and the need for a customized approach. We provide personalized counsel and representation that aligns with each client’s individual needs and goals. Each case is managed with diligence and thoroughness, adhering to our commitment to leaving no stone unturned on behalf of our clients.

If you’ve been affected by a stairway accident in Kansas City, take control of your situation by reaching out to the dedicated team at Holman Schiavone Law, LLC. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 816-399-5149 for an initial consultation, and let us guide you on the path to recovery. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to provide the support and legal experience you need to move forward.