Stairway accidents often cause more than a few bruises. A fall on stairs can lead to serious injuries that disrupt daily life, limit movement, and create long recovery periods. When unsafe stairs cause an accident, the injured person may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Keep reading to learn more about the most common injuries in stairway accidents and more information you may need if you want to pursue a legal claim after suffering one of these injuries.
Common Causes of Stairway Accidents
Stairway accidents are usually caused by unsafe conditions, such as damaged stairs, cluttered walkways, and smooth surfaces where they shouldn’t be. Property owners have a duty to keep stairways safe and address hazards before they cause harm. When they fail to address repairs or ignore unsafe conditions, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
Frequent Injuries Resulting from Stairway Falls
A stairway fall can cause serious harm, even from a short distance. Here are some of the more common injuries you might receive in a stairway accident:
Fractures (Broken Bones)
Broken bones are a common injury that can have long-lasting effects on your health and life after an accident. Fractures in the wrists, arms, and legs are common because people often reach out to catch themselves. Ankles and hips also fracture easily when the body twists or lands awkwardly.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries often occur when a person’s head strikes a hard surface during a fall. The motion of tumbling down stairs can whip the head forward and back, causing internal damage even without a visible wound. When the skull hits the edge of a step or the floor, the brain can shift within the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding.
Back Injuries
Another problem you are likely to face after a fall on the stairs is a back injury. Your back has a limited ability to absorb impacts and is likely to be injured after an impact in a fall. You can experience anything from stiffness to a damaged cervical disc, which is why seeking medical treatment right away is important.
Proving Liability in a Stairway Accident Case
To hold a property owner accountable, your attorney will have to prove that they failed to make the stairway safe. There are many ways to do this, including taking pictures, providing police reports, or even hiring experts to testify.
They can help you collect evidence, work with experts if needed, and build a strong case that connects the hazard to the harm you suffered. This preparation often leads to fair settlements without going to court, but they will be ready to pursue litigation if it’s necessary..
Compensation Available After a Stairway Injury
Compensation after a stairway injury can cover both financial and personal losses. Medical expenses form the largest portion of most claims. These include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, medication, and ongoing therapy. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also recover lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a stairway accident. Quick action allows for timely investigation, preservation of evidence, and accurate documentation of your injuries. Early legal involvement also prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of your situation with low settlement offers.
Contact Our Anchorage Personal Injury Attorneys at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Schedule a consultation with an Anchorage personal injury attorney at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your stairway accident and explore your legal options. You may have a personal injury case if the stairs were not in a safe condition.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
